British English vs American English, who is right? This is a debate I seem to have with increasing frequency at work. It usually stems from me having said something and then having to explain what I mean. Or the Americans and Canadians saying something and my mocking of the word or trying to understand what they are trying to say. But unfortunately it is usually the former.
It seems most of the Hagwons out here teach American English. I am unsure why, but it seems American English has become the more recognised version of the language. I do not know whether this is simply because there are more Americans, or that because of globalisation everywhere you turn you see an American clothing store, coffee shop or fast food outlet, but it seems British English is taking a back seat.
In my classes I generally try and use both languages. I say both languages as though they are like French and German but at some points they may as well be. If the book I am teaching from includes vocabulary words such as ‘Trash’ then I will attempt to teach them what I believe to be the correct word. This is not me being snobby…on the most part…but I am trying to teach them English as I would use it. The students think my accent is great, I have one class who insist on me saying “Harry Potter” and “Hermione” to them every class and then they try and copy me. My Englishness is a novelty. But sometimes it does cause problems.
When I initially began teaching at the school I was told by one of the directors that I had to speak very very slowly otherwise the students wouldn’t understand what I was saying to them. There is also a Korean teacher in my office who literally does not understand a single word I say, until I put on an American lilt then all of a sudden what I am saying is as clear as day. He also decided to inform my students that because of my ‘Bad pronunciation’ he had trouble understanding me. I have to say that statement did annoy me somewhat. Bad Pronunciation? For speaking English in an English accent? Hmmm.
Now don’t get me wrong, I am not the kind of traveller who prances around the world believing that I will be understood everywhere I go because I have the good fortune of being English. I am nowhere near that arrogant. I am just used to the mentality that the way I speak English is the correct way, because that is what has always been told to me at home (obviously) I must come across very snobbish to the Americans at times! As Oscar Wilde put it, we are two countries divided by a common language, I just did not realise to what an extent until now.
