Lesson 7 — Activity 2: Differences in Languages Throughout the World
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Lesson 7 — Activity 2: Differences in Languages Throughout the World
English is spoken in other parts of the world besides Canada. It is truly a global language. Approximately 375 million people speak English around the world, and there are more than 50 English speaking countries, where English is either the official or the primary language.
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The English used in different countries varies a lot. Words that are used in England may not be used in Canada, or they may have different meanings. Sometimes a visitor to a country like Australia may wonder if they even speak the same language!
Here are some examples of words used in Canada for articles of clothing that are slightly different in England.
In Canada, these are pants.
Courtesy of Engin_Akyurt,
In England, they are called trousers.
Self-check!
Try This!
Using the link above, find how people in England say these words that Canadians use commonly.
1. diaper
2. elevator
3. trunk of a car
4. pickles
5. cell phone
In England:
1. A diaper is called a nappy.
2. An elevator is called a lift.
3. A trunk of a car is called a boot.
4. Pickles are called gherkins.
5. Cell phones are called mobile phones.
You might wonder why language is not the same everywhere. As you have seen, even English changes in different parts of the world. Why does this happen? Language reflects the lifestyle, climate, and geography of its country. Geography means the physical features of a place, like mountains, rivers, and prairies, and the way these things are arranged.
A good example of geography influencing language is the word "Chinook." Most people in Alberta understand that a Chinook means warm weather during the winter. However, many places do not get this kind of weather, so the people in those places would have no reason to use or understand the word Chinook.
You might wonder why language is not the same everywhere. As you have seen, even English changes in different parts of the world. Why does this happen? Language reflects the lifestyle, climate, and geography of its country. Geography means the physical features of a place, like mountains, rivers, and prairies, and the way these things are arranged.
A good example of geography influencing language is the word "Chinook." Most people in Alberta understand that a Chinook means warm weather during the winter. However, many places do not get this kind of weather, so the people in those places would have no reason to use or understand the word Chinook.
A good example of geography influencing language is the word "Chinook." Most people in Alberta understand that a Chinook means warm weather during the winter. However, many places do not get this kind of weather, so the people in those places would have no reason to use or understand the word Chinook.