Divided By common Language: British and American English

The English language is often dubbed as the global lingua Franca and it is often spoken and understood by people all over the world as it is much easier to understand and speak as well. However, within this being the global language there exist distinct regional variations that is with American English and even British English which the two of the most prominent and widely recognized ones. Despite the shared historical roots and even the common vocabulary American and British English exhibit various significant differences in the field of pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar and even cultural references. Let’s delve into the fascinating world of all these linguistic variations which provides insights into all their historical development and their major impact on communication as well as culture and the ongoing evolution of both the forms of English.  One can look for this history of common language by enrolling one in English intermediate courses, business English courses and even advanced English speaking courses. 

Historical Backgrounds:

1. Colonial Beginnings: The American English and British English here share a common ancestor that is in early modern English which was being spoken during the late 17th century. Here the development of American English primarily began with the latest arrival of English settlers that in the side of North America over the period it was majorly influenced by various factors that included the directions with indigenous people and even several immigrants from all other countries and the regional dialects. 
2. Evolution of British English: Considering the homeland of the English language, Great Britain the language has continued to evolve as well and the English which was spoken by Shakespeare in the 16th century differs majorly from contemporary British English. Many of these changes were majorly driven by the Norman Conquest and also by the influence of various other languages such as Latin and Old Norse. 

Pronunciation Variations: 

1. Vowel Shift: one of the most noticeable differences that is seen between American and British English is the pronunciation of vowels British English tends to maintain the pronunciation of the “r” sound in words like car and hard while when considering American English often dips the sound by producing it as cah and hahd.
2. Consonant differences: American as well as British also have variations in consonant pronunciation for example the way the “t” sound is pronounced in words like water and butter usually differs. Americans majorly pronounce it as a soft “d” while the British usually maintain the sound of “t”.
3. Intonation patterns: The intonation and stress patterns particularly in speech also differ between American and British English for instance Americans always tend to use a flatter, more even tone and while considering the British  family a wider range of intonation patterns which can surely influence the perception of politeness and emotion as well.

Vocabulary Variations: 

1. Lexical Differences: There are major lexical differences between American and British English as words like elevator and apartment in American English become lift and flat in British English. These differences in the major vocabulary often lead to humorous misunderstandings as well as cultural differences. 
2. Borrowed words: Both the forms of English indeed have borrowed their words from other languages but the specific words chosen can surely differ. For instance truck in American English is considered a lorry in British English and a Cookie becomes a biscuit
3. Slang and idioms: The slang and idiomatic expressions usually vary greatly between American and British English for example rubber in America means an eraser while in British English it is considered a colloquial term. Understanding these nuances is considered essential for effective communication.

Cultural references: 

1. Pop culture and media: Both the American and British English have indeed left an inedible mark on global pop culture and media. The distinctive ascents and even several cultural differences in movies, music and television shows can surely be a source of fascination and sometimes amusement for all audiences worldwide. 
2. Literature and history: The great works of literature from both sides that are of the Atlantic have significantly contributed to the richness of the English language. Shakespeare’s contribution to British English and Mark Twain’s influence on American English are but a few examples of the enduring impact of these linguistic traditions. 
3. Regional Pride: Language is considered as closely tied to identity and many people take pride in their specific dialect or accent. In both the United States and the United Kingdom, regional accents and dialects are a source of regional pride and a means of distinguishing all of one cultural root. 

Ongoing evolution: 

1. Globalization and Technology: In this modern age globalization and technology have played a significant role in the continued evolution of both American and British English’. Even the internet, social media and international business have significantly brought these variations much closer and this leads to the large exchange of words, phrases and expressions. 
2. Influence on other English varieties: Both American as well as British English have had a substantial influence on all other English varieties which includes Australian, Canadian and even Indian English. As these variations usually develop they even contribute to the rich tapestry of the English Language.
3. Preservation of regional identity: Despite all of the global convergence of the English language the regional identity surely persists. Many individuals and communities actively work towards the preservation and promotion of their unique linguistic characteristics which leads to the continuation of regional variation within the American and British languages. 
4. The evolution can be seen in the present where many of the students have enrolled themselves in English intermediate courses, business English courses and even advanced English speaking courses. 

Media’s role in sustaining Differences: 

The role of media which includes literature, television and even the internet is highly considered paramount in sustaining as well as sometimes even exaggerating the difference between American as well as British English. 

1. Literature: The literary work that is from both sides of the Atlantic often preserves and even promotes linguistic distinction amongst all. Prominent American authors like Mark Twain and F. Scott Firzger have employed American English in their works whereas British Authors such as Jane Austen or George Orwell fluently use British English. All these literary traditions significantly contribute to the perpetuation of many dialectical differences. 
2. Television and film: Television shows and even movies which are being produced in the United States and even the United Kingdom have further reinforced the linguistic distinction. All of the American characters in the British production often use much of American English and even the British characters in American productions may even use British English. This constant practice not only just adds authenticity but also highlights the differences for the whole audience. 
3. Internet and social media: The current Internet as well as social media platforms have become influential in disseminating language and trends as well as vocabulary. The constant use of American English in global tech companies and the prevalence of the whole American pop culture on the internet have led to the widespread adoption of American English terms and even their spellings in various parts of the word itself. 

Grammatical distinctions: 

Grammar is considered as one of the core elements that differentiate the American as well as British English. While considering the overall grammatical structure which remains largely similar there are some key distinctions which exist: 

1. Verb agreement: Talking about British English collective nouns such as team or government are often treated as much of plural nouns as on when they are referred to as the group as a whole. For example “The team are playing well” and in American English, all nouns are usually treated as singular for example “The team is playing well”.
2. Past simple and perfect tense: Considering the British English it has led to the use of the present perfect tense more frequently than the American English. For instance “I have just eaten(British English) vs I just ate(American). The last simple tense is considered more common in the whole of American English for recent and upcoming actions. 
3. Prepositions: American English sometimes uses different prepositions than in the British English. For example “on the weekend(American) vs at the weekend(British)

Taking into consideration American English as well as British English, which are born from a common linguistic ancestor and has largely evolved into distinct variants over the centuries. These dialects exhibit more variations in grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation, even reflect their unique histories, and culture and even deeply influence their respective regions. 

The major role of media, which includes literature, television and the internet plays a crucial role in sustaining these differences and often one has to amplify them. While all the distinctions are made between these two forms of English being readily forcible it is very much important to remember that both are equally valid and reflective of their rich linguistic heritages. 

The coexistence of American as well as British English has significantly added depth and diversity to the global English language of landscape which enriches it with a wealth of linguistic resources and cultural expressions as well. It is going to continue to evolve in response to globalization and technology. 

One can understand the same deeply by enrolling in various classes such as Online spoken English courses, Advanced English courses.