British English vs. American English: A study of learners’ perceptions, vocabulary and spelling practices
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: This research paper investigates the differences between British and American English by examining the learners’ perception on the two standard varieties, their vocabulary acquisition, and specifically the spelling practices in an English as a Foreign Language (EFL) context. It represents a comparative study that includes two groups of EFL learners: secondary school students and university students. Data were collected through a mixed-format questionnaire and an in-class task. The questionnaire primarily explored learners’ perception toward British and American English, as well as their beliefs on the manner of vocabulary acquisition in general. This was followed by a task designed to elicit participants’ spelling preferences and usage patterns. The analysis of spelling is focused on common orthographic variations between the two English varieties. The paper aims to reveal differences in awareness, consistency and preference for vocabulary use and spelling conventions, as well as variations in the attitudes toward the two standard varieties. The findings contribute to better understanding of how EFL leaners engage with language variation and determine the role of educational context in shaping linguistic choices, offering implications for future teaching practices and teaching material design.
DOI: 10.69648/irgb9555
Author: Ana Koceva
Institution: Goce Delcev University
Language: English
Subfield: Language and Linguistics
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Quality education
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W7168464452