English as a first language: We have all heard of US and UK English. And Canadian, Australian, South African and New Zealand varieties. But what about World Englishes, Global English, international English and plain English?
World Englishes usually relate to varieties that have for many years existed alongside other national languages – especially in countries with multiple languages where English is commonly used, such as India, Kenya, Nigeria, Pakistan and Singapore.
Then we distinguish countries where English is used almost exclusively for international communication, such as France, Japan and the Netherlands.
So, which is the right variety? The right English will be the one most fitting the context.
This quiz addresses English with a focus on its use in international organizations in Geneva.
- Which dictionary is used for British style spelling?
- Which dictionary is used for US style spelling?
- Which style does your workplace use?
- What is plain English?
- What are some of the features of English today compared to the past?
Answer key (other answers may be correct too)
- Oxford or Cambridge dictionary
- Merriam-Webster
- UN = United Nations Editorial Manual; WHO = WHO Style Guide, second edition. The style chosen is called “house style”.
- Writing clearly and concisely. Using personal rather than impersonal language. Short sentences, active voice.
- Shorter sentences, shorter paragraphs, reduced punctuation, particularly commas; visual features – infograms; personal not impersonal; active voice.
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Author: Carol Waites
Presentation/editing by Christina O’Shaughnessy
https://worldwidewriting.org/
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Carol Waites (PhD)
Email: carolswritingtips@gmail.com
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Carol’s memoir of her times at the United Nations, Behind the Flags, is available on Amazon and lulu.com
ISBN 9783952632703 Behind the Flags Amazon
9783952632727 Behind the Flags lulu.com
It is also available for sale at Payot, Pages & Sips, and in the UN bookshop at the Pregny entry in Geneva.