an essential guide to studying english in the usa

7/25/2019 An Essential Guide to Studying English in the USA

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English USA

Introduction

There are many varieties of English around the world, including for example

Australian English, New Zealand English, Canadian English, South African English,

Indian English and Caribbean English. The purpose of this content is to both

establish and highlight the essential differences between American and British

English. Its not just the broad accents that make our vocabulary different. These

differences can be seen in the way words are pronounced and spelt, when those

words are put to paper.

Figure 2 https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2481/3794755362_b9c7ed04ec_b.jpg

Figure 1 https://pixabay.com/static/uploads/photo/2015/10/20/22/54/florida-998615_960_720.jpg


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Contents

What does history tell us? ....................................................................................................... 3

The land of opportunity ........................................................................................................... 4

How to test your understanding of American Vs British English. ............................................ 5

Academic Options ................................................................................................................... 6

Conclusion .............................................................................................................................. 6

Figure 3 https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/47/New_york_times_square-terabass.jpg

Figure 4https://pixabay.com/en/books-stack-reading-read-education-933333/
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What does history tell us?

The English

language was first

introduced to our

friends across the

pond during the early

1700s. The English

colonisation of

America resulted in

the creation of a very

distinct American

variety of English.

Some say that the American adaption is actually closer to that of the great British

poet and writer Shakespeare. Traditionally English pronunciations and words froze

on arrival in America. You may be familiar with the expression Americanisms, a

typically British term for the Americanstake on traditional English. Whats interesting

to know however is that some of these terms are in fact original British expressions

that just happened to be preserved in the colonies whilst gradually finding

themselves lost in Britain. For example, phrases such as trash for rubbish andloan as a verb instead of lend.

The American language is built around a variety of influences not just England; for

example, many phrases originate from both Spain and France. The Spanish

language has had multiple effects on both American and British English. Vigilante

is an example of a Spanish word entering the English language through the

settlement of the American West. French influences originate from Louisiana.

Finally, West African words can be seen and heard in American English and to an

extent, British English. This is of course due to the slave trade, a huge moment in

history which had copious effects on how both the English and Americanscommunicate in modern day language. Today, American English is hugely influential

thanks to the USAs dominance of television, cinema and popular music.


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The land of opportunity

Each year, vast numbers of students seek out opportunities and classes tostudy

English in the USAand therefore better their understanding of these often opposing

types of English. Most commonly, this offers newstudents a chance to better their

understanding in preparation for further advanced courses at either college or

university. Its extremely easy to simply assume you know all there is to know about

the variations of the language. However, there are in fact approximately 1,800 roots

and derivatives that differ between British and American English. Although

Television series such a Friends can offer an insight into the vocabulary and its

differences, it cannot delve into the core in the same way an intensive study

programme would.

Truth is, its not just the language that offers multiple differences, the classroom

environment and whole higher educational system in the United States of America is

incredibly unique. The system encourages discussion and debate between pupils,

providing a chance to truly explain your reasoning rather than simply learn by thetext book. Class participation means youll soon be presenting, arguingyour case

and quizzing others on subjects you perhaps once questioned, but now feel

confident on. Its an extremely hands on approach that teaches both historical and

modern takes on the language.

Advancing yourEnglish language skillswill give you higherTOEFLscore, widening

the selection of universities and colleges you can choose from. It is bad practise to

assume simply because you have an understanding of British English, that you

therefore must know the American way. To properly advance and excel in your time

and studies within the USA its vital you invest time in learning their way ofcommunication.
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How to test your understanding of

American Vs British English

Its incredibly common to assume you know all there is to know about the English

language, heavily due to the fact, its everywhere. There are several aspects that

often catch people out and question whether youre up to scratch with the full

vocabulary. You may well be an expert at understanding English when watching

television, movies, listening to music but find it difficult when it comes to expressing

yourself through writing or verbal communication. Keep aspects to keep in mind

when considering this are as follows:

Do you have difficulty when attempting to understand and use phrasal verbs

and idioms naturally with ease?

Do you feel comfortable when in relaxed conversation but then struggle to

effectively get your point across when expressing ideas or arguing a point?

Can you read and digest sophisticated articles but when writing still struggle

to engage on a similar level?

Perhaps you have a good understanding and knowledge but still suffer from

lack of confidence when thinking about pronunciation.

Perhaps your confidence is knocked by your accent, making you nervous

when using the language out loud.

Consider these pointsand ask yourself if youre currently struggling with any of the

above. If yes, its highly likely you would suit a course that challenges your spoken

word and encourages you to broaden your understanding of the English language.

Figure 5 https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3b/Pommes-1.jpg

Figure 6https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/df/Salt-and-Vinegar.JPG

Chips Vs. Crisps
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Academic Options

To begin with its important to know what level of teaching you require. The USAoffers a vast range of full-time intensive English programmes. Intensive programmes

will always run for a minimum of eighteen hours per week, this allows students to

qualify for a student Visa. Advanced intensive programmes will extend to

approximately 20-25 hours per week. Unfortunately the system does not work on a

roll on roll off basis. Students are required to join the course at the beginning of the

academic term, or semester, as the Americans would say.

Advantages are, you will be provided with accommodation on site. This means youll

be close to your area of study and can put worrying about extensive travel to the

back of your mind. Libraries and other communal areas will be nothing more than ashort walk away. Engaging and involving yourself in conversation with locals is key

tobuilding your confidence.

In some cases, at a select number of academic institutes, students following the

advanced classesof English may be permitted to take a selection of secondary

courses whilst completing their language study. Students on F-1 visas may work on

campus up to 20 hours a week, meaning further and more in-depth learning

opportunities. This is something worth delving into further, as its not also

guaranteed that you will be awarded via certificate for the additional course.Its

simply a way of advancing and further developing your knowledge by a secondary

route thats not initially included in the academic programme.

Figure 7 https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/79/English-English_dictionaries_and_thesaurus_books.JPG
https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=classroom+environment&oq=classroom+environment&aqs=chrome..69i57j0l5.214j0j7&sourceid=chrome&es_sm=93&ie=UTF-8#q=building+your+confidencehttps://www.google.co.uk/search?q=classroom+environment&oq=classroom+environment&aqs=chrome..69i57j0l5.214j0j7&sourceid=chrome&es_sm=93&ie=UTF-8#q=building+your+confidencehttps://www.google.co.uk/search?q=classroom+environment&oq=classroom+environment&aqs=chrome..69i57j0l5.214j0j7&sourceid=chrome&es_sm=93&ie=UTF-8#q=building+your+confidencehttps://www.google.co.uk/search?q=classroom+environment&oq=classroom+environment&aqs=chrome..69i57j0l5.214j0j7&sourceid=chrome&es_sm=93&ie=UTF-8#q=building+your+confidence


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Conclusion

Figure 8 https://pixabay.com/en/architecture-university-students-1122359/

In all cases it is important to do your homework before committing to or choosing a

school. You are, after all, embarking on a new exciting adventure. Choose carefully

asyou wouldnt want to find yourself committed to a programme that limits your

ability. Finding your course has never been easier, similar to meeting fellow

students who have previously been, or are currently, seeking out opportunities like

yourself. Source communities or social media groups to open discussions and gain

further information before bookingand embarkingonyour trip. We learn from those

around us every day, seek and you shall find.

an essential guide to studying english in the usa

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