The story of American English is one of profound cultural divergence and national identity. Almost from the moment the first English colonists stepped onto American soil, the language began its fascinating evolution, progressively distinguishing itself from its British counterpart. This continuous process led to the creation and alteration of countless ‘Americanisms,’ ultimately producing a vibrant language that reflects the unique history and independent spirit of the United States.
By 1790, with four million Americans, 90% of whom were descendants of English colonists, it was clear that English would be the official language. However, it was equally apparent that this would not be the same English spoken in Great Britain. As early as 1720, differences were already noticeable, sparking a linguistic journey that would define a new nation.
The Birth of a New Tongue: Early Divergence and Influences
The reasons behind the divergence of American English are numerous and deeply rooted in the American experience. The sheer geographical distance from England played a significant role, allowing colonial speech patterns to evolve independently. Moreover, the vast American landscape introduced pioneers to unfamiliar flora, fauna, and living conditions, necessitating the creation of new words and expressions.
A rich tapestry of influences from various immigrant groups also shaped the emerging language. Words were borrowed from Native American tribes, as well as from French, German, and Spanish settlers, enriching the vocabulary in ways distinct from the Motherland. Furthermore, many words that became obsolete in England continued to thrive in the colonies, preserving older forms of the language while new ones were simultaneously being forged.
Early Criticisms and the Rise of American Linguistic Pride
The linguistic differences did not go unnoticed across the Atlantic. In 1756, a year after publishing his seminal Dictionary of the English Language, Samuel Johnson coined the term “American dialect,” though not as an explanation, but rather as an insult. Years prior, by 1735, the English had already begun labeling American speech as “barbarous” and its unique expressions as “barbarisms.” This disdain continued for over a century after the Revolutionary War, with the English frequently ridiculing and condemning hundreds of American terms and phrases as unnecessary.
However, for the newly independent Americans, their evolving language became a badge of honor, another symbol of their hard-won autonomy. Noah Webster, a prominent figure in American lexicography, eloquently articulated this sentiment in his 1789 Dissertations on the English Language, stating, “The reasons for American English being different than English English are simple: As an independent nation, our honor requires us to have a system of our own, in language as well as government.” Influential leaders such as Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Rush wholeheartedly agreed, recognizing the pragmatic and political wisdom of establishing a distinct linguistic identity.
Words Retained, Coined, and Reimagined
The divergence of American English from British English manifested in several key areas:
- Obsolete English Words Retained: Americans continued to use words that had fallen out of fashion in England. Examples include:
- “Allow,” “guess,” “reckon,” all meaning to think.
- “Bureau,” meaning a chest of drawers.
- “Fall,” used for autumn.
- “Gotten,” which persisted as the past participle of “get,” whereas “got” was preferred in England.
- “Wilt.”
- New American Coinages: The unique American environment led to the creation of entirely new words. Notable examples include:
- “Groundhog,” referring to an animal not found in England.
- “Lightning rod,” initially a term for whiskey.
- “Belittle,” famously coined by Thomas Jefferson in 1787.
- “Bamboozle,” meaning to swindle.
- Changed Meanings of Existing Words: Many words took on new or altered meanings in the American context:
- “Bluff”: While in British English it primarily referred to a deceptive act, Americans began using it in the late 17th century to describe a steep riverbank, particularly in the South. This was one of the first words officially criticized as a “barbarous” American term.
- “Fork”: Beyond its use as an eating utensil, Americans also adopted “fork” to denote a branch in a road or river.
- “Help”: Beginning around 1630, Americans started referring to servants as “help.”
Pronunciation Shifts and Contractions
Pronunciation was another significant area of divergence that often drew the ire of the English. Variations included:
- “Bhar” instead of bear.
- “Knowed” instead of knew.
- “Lay” instead of lie.
- “Missionary” pronounced with emphasis on the first syllable (miss-ion-ary) rather than the British “mission’ry.”
Perhaps most atrocious to the English was the heavy and widespread use of contractions in American speech, such as “ain’t,” “can’t,” “don’t,” and “couldn’t.” These linguistic habits further solidified the distinct character of the American tongue.
Continued Evolution and a Quest for Official Recognition
Despite external criticism, the feelings of the rest of the world mattered little to Americans, as their language continued its dynamic evolution. The Western expansion movement further enriched the vocabulary, integrating numerous Native American and Spanish words into everyday American parlance. This ongoing linguistic development fueled American pride, culminating in a significant, albeit symbolic, act after World War I.
Amidst a wave of patriotic and anti-foreign sentiment, the state of Illinois passed an act in 1923 declaring its official language to be the “American language,” not the “English language.” A similar bill was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives the same year but ultimately failed in committee. These legislative attempts, though largely symbolic, underscore the deep-seated desire among many Americans to formally distinguish their language from that of their former colonial power.
Reconvergence in the Modern Era
Ironically, after centuries of forging its own unique identity, American English and British English are now experiencing a gradual blending. The interconnectedness of the modern world, facilitated by global media such as movies, songs, and television, alongside the pervasive influence of electronics and increased international travel, is bringing the two “languages” closer together. While distinct differences remain, the boundaries are becoming increasingly permeable, demonstrating the perpetual dynamism of language itself.
Conclusion: A Living Legacy of Identity
The journey of American English is a compelling testament to a nation’s quest for identity and self-expression. From its earliest colonial days, influenced by diverse cultures, geographical isolation, and the independent spirit of its people, it has evolved into a vibrant and distinct linguistic system. What began as a mere dialect, often scorned by its British progenitor, blossomed into a proud marker of American heritage. As the world becomes more interconnected, the interplay between American and British English continues, showcasing how language is a living, breathing entity, perpetually adapting and reflecting the societies that speak it. The “American language” remains a powerful symbol of independence, innovation, and the enduring spirit of the United States.
