American English is a unique and colourful variant of English with its distinct history and influences. As of my knowledge cutoff in 2021, American English has become one of the most widely spoken and influential languages globally, demonstrating a significant impact in academia, business, entertainment, and internet communications.

Origins and Brief History:

• American English has its roots in 17th-century British English. The English language was transported to America through British colonisation, with the first permanent English settlement established in Jamestown, Virginia, in 1607.
• Over time, this ‘colonial’ English started to diverge from its British roots. This was due to isolation, the influence of other languages, and the need to find new words for the different realities of life on a new continent.
• Languages from Native American tribes, French, Dutch, Spanish, and various African languages all influenced American English, creating new words and influencing pronunciation and grammar.
• Notably, Noah Webster, an American lexicographer, grammarian, and language reformer, played a vital role in the distinct spelling and pronunciation of American English. In 1828, he published the ‘American Dictionary of the English Language’ that advocated simplified spellings—some that differed from British standards.

Number of Speakers:

• Over 225 million people speak American English as their first language in the United States.
• It is also spoken by millions more worldwide as a second language.

Official Language Status:

• Although the United States has no official language at the federal level, American English is the de facto national language.
• It is the official language in 32 50 states and many US territories.

Usage and Locations:

• American English is used extensively in both formal and informal settings in the United States. It’s also widely used in US territories like Puerto Rico, Guam, and the US Virgin Islands.
• Globally, American English is heavily used in media and entertainment. Movies, music, and digital content from the US have made American English familiar even in non-English-speaking countries.

Vocabulary Differences:

A striking difference that sets American English apart from British English is the distinct choice of words. For instance, ‘vacation’ in American English is called ‘holiday’ in British English, and what Americans call ‘sidewalks’ is the British term ‘pavements’. 

Besides vocabulary, there are also subtle discrepancies in grammar between the two. This is why it’s crucial for businesses intending to connect with their American customers to adapt their content, making it more American-friendly. Even though these variances may appear trivial, the necessity to bridge these linguistic gaps should never be downplayed.

 

In conclusion, American English remains a significant language within the larger English-speaking world with its rich history and global reach. It continues to evolve, influenced by cultural, political, and technological changes, shaping and being shaped by the people who use it.

 

Brightlines’ American translators work with brands such as Yahoo, Microsoft and Google to ensure that they communicate with their customers in a way that they will understand and ultimately respond to. Our services range from consultancy to copywriting and quality assurance.