Abstract

With the development of the society and the progress of economy and culture, although American English and British English have a lot in common, they also have many differences because of history, social background and ways of thinking. So it’s getting more difficult for learners to master English well , and also causes some English language communicative obstacles. The most obvious differences between them are in vocabulary. This thesis analyzes from the perspective of vocabulary of British English and American English, by understanding the differences of the two variants of English, making it easier for English learners to master a certain type of English and correctly express the abundant knowledge of English.

Key words：British English , American English , vocabulary , differences 

Contents

Abstract

摘要

1. Introduction1

2. The four main differences of British English and American English in vocabulary.4

2.1Homonym ..4

2.1.1Definition and causes of homonym  4

2.1.2 Types of homonym .4

2.1.3 Examples of homonym5

2.2 Synonym..7

2.2.1 Definition and causes of synonym7

2.2.2 Examples of synonym.7

2.3 Specific words.9

2.3.1  Definition and causes of specific words.9

2.3.2 Examples of specific words10

2.4 Spelling differences.11

2.4.1 Definition and causes of spelling differences.11

2.4.2 Types and examples of spelling differences11

3. Conclusion.14

References17