Unit 2 Growing Pains

Word power

There are differences between British and American English. It’s important to have a good knowledge of English.

First, let’s listen to a radio program selected from China Radio International. Discuss what’s the difference between American and British English.

Read some quotations and answer the question. “We have really everything in common with America nowadays, except of course, language.” Oscar Wilde, 19th century writer

Henry Sweet, 19th century linguist “Within a century British and American English speakers will not be able to understand each other.” Henry Sweet, 19th century linguist

“America and England are two countries divided by a common language.” George Bernard Shaw, 20th century writer

Dave Sperling, founder of Dave’s ESL Cafe “It doesn’t make much of a difference whether a teacher speaks British or American English.” Dave Sperling, founder of Dave’s ESL Cafe

What is the topic of the quotations? The difference between British and American English.

There are some differences between American English and British English. & British English

spelling ask dance wheel not box post film mail movie words I think American English British English colour, favourite, color, favorite, spelling theatre, centre, theater, center, travelled, metre traveled, meter ask dance pronunciation wheel not box post film mail movie words I think shop I guess store

words 电梯 汽油 公寓 秋天 地铁 大学 垃圾 垃圾箱 假日 两星期 British English American English lift elevator petrol gas apartment flat fall autumn subway underground university college garbage rubbish trash can dustbin holiday vacation fortnight two weeks

colour traveller programme Spelling American British center color traveler tire organize program centre colour traveller tyre organise programme

As we all know, the accent in American English and the accent in British English are different. Which do you prefer, American English or British English? Do you think it helpful for you to be aware of these differences?

What’s a colloquialism? A colloquialism is an informal expression used in spoken English. Colloquialisms are never used in formal English or in writing, but are often used in conversations.

Don’t worry. It’s a piece of cake! something easy to do

Don’t be a wet blanket. Have some fun! boring / afraid to have fun

Go on, tell me. I’m all ears. listening carefully

Are you serious? Don’t pull my leg. joke with someone

More Examples I’ll back you up all the way. = I will support you from beginning to end. Why don’t you get off my back? = Don’t disturb me. I don’t buy your story. = I don't believe you.

It’s my cup of tea. (这很合我胃口。) = It's my favorite. Let’s call it quits. (算了吧！) = Let’s forget it. It’s a lot of chicken feed.(这是小意思，不算什么。) = It’s nothing.