Is American a different language than English or a dialect of it?
595366
Neither.  There are a number of different American dialects and a number of different British dialects.  Moreover, in some ways, (standard) American English is more "conservative" (has changed less from older forms of the language) than (standard--RP) British English.  Also, it wasn't the *British* who spread the language throughout the world; it was the *English*.  The Welsh and Scots (and Irish if you mean "British Isles" rather than "Great Britain") only started speaking English (rather than their original Celtic languages) under rule by England.
990729
American English is great when you live in America. British English is great when you live here in England.. They are both just as good.. it really is the accents  and slangs (oh and that tiny spelling differences) that makes the difference. Personally I am a sucker for American accents.. and Americans to mine.. we all live happily ever after..
383200
English is a crazy language!\n\nRough\nCough\nThrough\nThough\nBough\n\nThe same "ough" has different sounds.
782355
They are not dialects, they are languages as far and further removed from each other as Basque from Welsh, or Russian from Chinese, in origin, syntax and lexis.\nAfrica is a much more diverse continent than the Americas or even Europe, and I wish Europeans and Americans alike could stop seeing it as a backward place peopled by barbarians.\nColonialism and now American cultural and economical imperialism has destroyed and is further destroying their culture and livelihoods, and the offhand disregard as it expresses itself in your question is adding insult to injury.
993825
English is the dominant language of the US. It is the common language of our culture. It is also the language for economic success in the US. \n\nHowever, one of our nation's strengths is our diversity. Passage of an "official language" would automatically impose discrimination against those who have legally immigrated and who have gone through the long, rigorous process of acquiring citizenship...many of whom just haven't had time to learn English yet. Learning another language can be quite difficult. \n\nGenerally speaking, those who immigrate from another country and learn English as a second language master it somewhat, poorly, or not at all. Their children, however, who grow up in the US will learn English in the schools and on TV;their mastery of English will be substantially better and not markedly different than the children of non-immigrants. Finally, the grandchildren of the immigrants will identify almost completely as American, their command of English will be every bit as good as any other American's, and almost all of their cultural values will stem largely from American culture. \n\nThere was a time when everyone was fearful of all those German immigrants...or Italians...or Eastern Europeans...etc., etc. But, they're all Americans now, and no sane person is going to suggest that we ban hot dogs, Columbus Day, or the polka.
930240
This a topic about English language, or literally, the English culture? If its the latter, I can almost certainly help you out: I'm from England! I am English! If it's the former, I may not be much use: we spell some words quite differently to you Americans, and we have weird expressions for things!
572694
You are wise in your history.  YES! English did become the official language of the U.S. of A. by a one vote margin.
579215
Languages change all the time as a natural part of their progression.  Sometimes these changes are adopted and perpetuated and sometimes they are not.  Different groups often choose to perpetuate different changes.  Since Canadians and Americans belong to different cultural groups (there are actually several relevant regions in the U.S.) they have chosen to perpetuate different language characteristics.\n\nSee if you can watch the movie "American Tongues" if you'd like to learn more about how different dialects of English work.
792024
Yes because at one tyme the term American meant white people and the others were not.  America was a colony that became independent from the United Kingdom.  American English has borrowed many terms and ideas from others.  So most of our idea of living are based from studying other peoples culture beginning with Greek philosophy.\n\nWe are a Democratic-Republic meaning the majority can change the rules,but the few decide: Democrats and Republicans\n\nAnother is the salad,but who is going to be the majority.  \n\nAny ones that makes salad understands that not every vegetable and fruit will make a good salad.  What are going to be left out and what is included.\n\nPeople do not want to be left out and ignore but what will be included.\n\nSimple answers never find solutions\n\nPeoples values are always changing.\n\nManners and Etiquette are not valued as they once were by all Americans.
259643
I dont even know where to start on this one. I really hope you dont speak english as your main language. \n\nSTANDARD AMERICAN ENGLISH MOTHERF***ER DO YOU SPEAK IT?!
1108780
american and canadian english is thesame but they differ in the accent.
240872
Well it is true that the amount of errors and shorthand in the American's language is increasing with every generation.  However, it is the American language, it's just a form of English now.  It happens over time languages change and branch apart, I wouldn't be surprised that over the next few hundred years the language spoken in England and America would be so different you would have to take classes in one to understand other.
842673
There are two written languages, English and American English. English is written everywhere except America. Fortunately we can usually understand each other.  There is no need to be abusive on either side. \n \nI am even learning to be tolerant towards Yahoo English, although I sometimes have no idea what the writer means.
444923
Huh?!  Speak American, Please...
277081
and you'd be surprised at the number of americans who think there is a language called 'canadian' as well!\n\nthe two (american and what you call 'proper' english) are related enough that it may be better to classify one or the other as more of a written 'dialect' than a whole different language.  i realize that 'dialect' is usually reserved for the spoken word, but it's a good fit in this case, do you think?\n\none comment, you DO convey an air of 'superiority', intentional or not, when you distinguish between american and proper english... do you wish to imply that american english is improper?  there are always a few who will take great exception... but i'm not one of them.\n\nregards, 'over here'.
678643
American is the proper term for a citizen of the United States of America. While Americans speak the English language, they are not generally considered English by nationality -- they are indeed considered Americans.\n\nWhile many Americans will identify themselves as just Americans for their nationality, Americans also identify themselves by their  racial or ethnic origins or their immigrant origins. Some might refer to themselves as "Irish Americans" (meaning Americans whose ancestors came from Ireland) or "Japanese Americans" (meaning Americans whose ancestors came from Japan) or "African Americans" (meaning Americans whose ancestors came from Africa).
152172
It's a form of slang.  The official language of the US is English, the American version of it.