This research paper investigates the differences between British and
American English by examining the learners’ perception on the two
standard varieties, their vocabulary acquisition, and specifically the
spelling practices in an English as a Foreign Language (EFL) context. It
represents a comparative study that includes two groups of EFL learners:
secondary school students and university students. Data were collected
through a mixed-format questionnaire and an in-class task. The questionnaire
primarily explored learners’ perception toward British and
American English, as well as their beliefs on the manner of vocabulary
acquisition in general. This was followed by a task designed to elicit
participants’ spelling preferences and usage patterns. The analysis of
spelling is focused on common orthographic variations between the two
English varieties. The paper aims to reveal differences in awareness,
consistency and preference for vocabulary use and spelling conventions,
as well as variations in the attitudes toward the two standard varieties.
The findings contribute to better understanding of how EFL leaners
engage with language variation and determine the role of educational
context in shaping linguistic choices, offering implications for future
teaching practices and teaching material design.
Keywords: EFL, spelling, British English, American English.
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