The Evolution of American and British English: A Comprehensive Analysis

The oft-quoted saying, “Two nations divided by a common language,” highlights the perceived differences between American and British English. While it is true that variations exist, these differences are often superficial and not as deep as the public might believe.

Historical Foundations of English Dialects

Before diving into the specific reasons for the divergence between American and British English, it is essential to consider the historical context. The diversity of traditional dialects in Britain itself is vast, sometimes making regional dialects barely mutually intelligible. This implies that the differences between standard British English and American English are not as significant as they might seem.

Early Standardization

The advent of moveable type and printing in 1496 by William Caxton in the United Kingdom brought a standardized form of English. By the time America was discovered in 1497, early settlers faced challenges in remembering and understanding certain terms. This led to the eventual simplification of the language in America.

It is often suggested that a US resident, Samuel Harrison Brewster, played a role in simplifying the language in 1791. He is credited with creating a version that used sounds and omitted certain letters that couldn’t be pronounced properly. This was an early attempt to make the language more accessible, but it was not the primary driver of the divergence between American and British English.

Noah Webster and the Dictionary

The major divergence in spelling and vocabulary between American and British English can be traced back to Noah Webster, often referred to as the father of American lexicography. In the late 18th century, Webster published his dictionary with simplified spellings, which were more acceptable to American citizens. This work marked a significant milestone in the evolution of American English.

According to Webster, the English language was too difficult for Americans, and he sought to simplify it. This was not a singular issue; the languages were already diverging due to geographic and cultural separation. By the late 19th century, American English had adopted a deliberately simplified spelling system, which marked a clear break from British English.

Culture and Linguistic Evolution

The adoption of a simplified spelling system in American English was not a unilateral decision. The use of Amerindian words by early settlers contributed to the diverse linguistic landscape of American English. Over time, this separation led to distinct spelling and pronunciation patterns.

While the distances between America and Britain were significant, inseparable linguistic evolution occurred. The languages continued to diverge, with American English simplifying and British English maintaining its traditional spellings. This process accelerated further in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, leading to the current state of divergence.

Conclusion

The claimed “divergence” between American and British English is a result of historical, geographic, and cultural factors. While significant differences exist, they are not solely due to the efforts of one individual or period. Understanding these complexities provides a more accurate picture of the evolution of both forms of English.

Key Takeaways

Noah Webster's dictionary was a significant milestone in American lexicography. The evolution of American and British English is influenced by geographic separation and cultural adaptations. Early attempts to simplify the language, such as those by Samuel Harrison Brewster, were early steps but not the primary driver of divergence.