When you read a book, do you pay particular attention to the spelling? Does it bother you that some words seem misspelt?
And how do you know they are? Depending on which English-speaking nation you're from, you're bound to come across variations in spelling, and even terminology. If, like me, you're used to Oxford spelling (as used in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Canada) you'd have noticed nothing odd about the word I used in the 2nd sentence. But to anyone from the USA, it looks like an error.
Too often, I've seen authors unjustly criticised (me among them), and receiving low stars in reviews based on the reader's ignorance of cultural variations in spelling and terminology.
It's annoying and frustrating, let alone unfair.
I've even gone as far as adding a statement on my Amazon book page explaining my use of AUSTRALIAN spelling and grammar (which is essentially OXFORD standard). Sad but necessary.
Believe it or not, there are countries in the world that do not use the Webster's dictionary.
I believe it's time we corrected this ignorance and embrace our differences.
Check out the list I've gathered showing the spelling differences between only a handful of words. Others, some of which I included, are those where "z" is used instead of "s" and "l" rather than "ll" and the omission of the letter "u" (they're in the list).
So next time you come across, what you think is a misspelled or wrong word, check again. It might be you who's wrong.
UK/AU - USA
aeroplane – airplane
ageing
– aging
arse – ass
autumn
– fall
barrister
– attorney
bill
(restaurant) – check
bookshop
– bookstore
biscuit
– cookie
bum bag – fanny pack
caravan
– trailer
centre
– center
cheque (bank) – check
chemist’s
shop – drugstore, pharmacy
chips
– fries, French fries
cinema
– movies
coffin
– casket
colour – color
cozzie
– swimsuit
criticise – critize
draught – draft
favourite – favorite
flat
– apartment
petrol station – gas station
jam
– jelly
jewellery – jewelry
lift – elevator
mobile
– cell phone
motorway – expressway
mum – mom
pavement
– sidewalk
petrol
– gas/gasoline
pimple
– zit
postbox
– mailbox
programme – program
pyjamas – pajamas
rubbish
– garbage, trash
scone
– biscuit
solicitor
– lawyer
sweets/lollies – candy
taxi – cab
wardrobe – closet
wardrobe – closet
Westfield (shopping centre) - mall
Those who've read my books will recognise some of the words in the list.
Happy reading 😊
