Why Understanding These Differences is Essential
For French translators working with English texts, the distinction between British English (BrE) and American English (AmE) is more than just a matter of spelling preferences. These differences influence grammar, vocabulary, and even punctuation, all of which can significantly impact the quality and accuracy of translations. Ignoring them can lead to inconsistencies, misunderstandings, or unintended connotations.
Spelling Variations That Demand Attention
The “-our” vs. “-or” Dilemma
One of the most notable spelling differences between BrE and AmE is the presence or absence of the letter “u” in certain words:
- BrE: colour, honour, flavour
- AmE: color, honor, flavor
This is crucial for French translators, as English loanwords from French often retain the “ou” spelling in BrE, aligning more closely with their original French counterparts.
“-re” vs. “-er” Endings
Another common difference involves words ending in “-re” in BrE, which shift to “-er” in AmE:
- BrE: centre, metre, theatre
- AmE: center, meter, theater
French translators should be aware of these distinctions, particularly when translating technical or scientific texts, where “metre” refers to a unit of measurement in BrE but “meter” can mean a measuring device in both variants.
Vocabulary Differences That Can Change the Meaning
Everyday Words with Different Interpretations
Several common words have entirely different meanings in BrE and AmE. A mistake in choosing the correct variant can lead to confusion:
- BrE: “boot” (the storage compartment of a car) vs. AmE: “trunk”
- BrE: “biscuit” (a sweet baked good) vs. AmE: “biscuit” (a type of soft bread)
- BrE: “pants” (underwear) vs. AmE: “pants” (trousers)
For a French translator, mistranslating “pants” could result in an embarrassing misunderstanding.
False Friends and Traps
Some words look identical in both BrE and AmE but carry different connotations. A classic example is:
- BrE: “public school” (an elite private school)
- AmE: “public school” (a state-funded school)
Translating this term inaccurately could completely misrepresent the educational context.
Grammar and Usage: More Than Just Style
Present Perfect vs. Simple Past
BrE and AmE differ in their preference for using the present perfect tense:
- BrE: “I have just finished my work.”
- AmE: “I just finished my work.”
French translators should note that the British version aligns more closely with the passé composé in French.
Prepositions That Differ Across the Atlantic
Small prepositional differences can make a significant impact:
- BrE: “at the weekend” vs. AmE: “on the weekend”
- BrE: “different to” vs. AmE: “different from”
- BrE: “in hospital” vs. AmE: “in the hospital”
Punctuation and Formatting: Details That Matter
Quotation Marks: Single vs. Double
BrE generally prefers single quotation marks, while AmE uses double:
- BrE: ‘Hello,’ he said.
- AmE: “Hello,” he said.
This is essential when translating dialogue-heavy texts or literary works.
Commas and the Oxford Comma
In AmE, the Oxford comma (before “and” in a list) is more commonly used than in BrE:
- BrE: “apples, oranges and bananas”
- AmE: “apples, oranges, and bananas”
In legal or technical translations, missing this detail could lead to ambiguities.
Which English to Choose for Your Translations?
When translating from French into English, the choice between BrE and AmE should be guided by the target audience, industry norms, and client preferences. British English is often preferred for academic and European Union texts, whereas American English dominates in business, technology, and entertainment fields.
Mastering these nuances will not only enhance a translator’s credibility but also ensure precision, consistency, and cultural appropriateness in their work.
