4. Language Focus

1) As you already know there are some words which may cause confusions because they have different meaning in British and American English. Look at the words below and explain what the two different meanings are.

1 a billion	4 chips	7 school	10 biscuit
2 a professor	5 pants	8 the first floor	11 jelly
3 a purse	6 gas	9 to wash up	12 vest

2) Here are some more examples of differences between American and British vocabulary. Can you match the American word on the left with its British equivalent on the right?

buffet	face flannel
can	bumper
candy	estate agent
closet	estate car
diaper	sideboard
drug store	cupboard
eggplant	power point
elevator	tap
faucet	chemist
fender	drawing pin
outlet	nappy
realtor	braces
sidewalk	boot
station wagon	tin
suspenders	windscreen
thumbtack	spanner
traffic circle	lift
trunk (car)	aubergine
washcloth	sweets
windshield	roundabout
wrench	pavement

3) With a partner in two minutes write down as many other examples of American vocabulary that is different from British vocabulary as you can.

Compare your lists with those of other pairs. Which pair thought of most words? How many words did the class think of as a whole?

4) Here are some examples of language that is more typically American than British from the point of view of grammar. What would a British person be more likely to say?

1. Bill arrived at five after eight.

2. The movie was real good.

3. I snuck quietly out of the theater.

4. I'll go get the book.

5. I'll be here Monday through Friday.

6. I didn't see it yet.

7. John is meeting with him tomorrow.

8. You've gotten off lightly this time.

5. Role Play

You are going to the USA this summer. You know that American variety of English is different from British English you are studying at university. Find someone in your class who has been to the USA and ask him or her about the peculiarities of American English.

LISTENING 3. Linguistic Profiling

1. Before you listen discuss the questions below with your partner.

• What judgment do you make when you hear a voice? Does a voice characterise a person?

• Are there any prejudices in the society towards people with some accent? Why? Why not?

• Why do people speak the same language in so many different dialects? What factors influence this process?

2. You will hear an interview with a linguist Walt Wolfram who has been working on a series of television documentaries about linguistic profiling. As you listen make brief notes on the answers to the following questions:

1. What does Walt Wolfram mean by linguistic profiling?

2. What is the aim of a series of television documentaries he has been working on?

3. Is it possible to learn English without learning some dialect of it?

4. What does Walt Wolfram think about recent development of American companies putting call centers in India?

5. What documentaries have they done already?

6. What has the reaction been to these programs?

7. How are the kids in middle school responding to the programs?

8. What is Walt Wolfram’s accent?

Check your answers. If it is necessary you may listen to the interview once again.