This page is meant to clarify some of the issues my readers have raised, especially those in the United Kingdom and former British colonies. I was born under the Union Jack and as such my countrymen expect me to write in what is known as Commonwealth English or the Queen's language.

When my first novel Dyeing of Colors was marketed in my country Zambia, my readers noticed the 'typo' in Colors. The 'u' was omitted! But that's how Americans write.

American and British English are dialects of English which have a recognis(z)ed standard form and are equally acceptable in Academic English as long as the style and register used are appropriately formal.

I use American English in my writing because I cater mostly to an American audience. Generally American English -or as a word ending is equivalent to -our in British English, American -er as a word ending is sometimes equivalent to -re in British English. In American English the final e is removed from verbs before adding -ing, in correct British English this is not done giving "routeing" (British) and "routing" (American), however the American practice of dropping the "e" is becoming quite common in British English. If a verb ends in a single 'l' then the American -ing, -ed and -er forms also have a single 'l' whereas the British forms have a double 'll'. For example American English has signaler, signaling and signaled whereas British English has signaller, signalling and signalled. American English tends to prefer -ize and -ization whereas British English prefers -ise and -isation.

However, there may be advantages in using British spelling in certain situations. For instance, two forms: programme and program exist in British English. The former can be a noun referring to television programmes or programmes of events (plans, conferences, a theatre programme etc.). The latter can be a noun referring to computer programs. Both forms can be verbs, but there is no spelling distinction between them except in the infinitive form and the present tense.

Here are some of the words you will find in my novels: British words appear in brackets.

Color (Colour)
Program (Programme)
Judgment (Judgement)
Aluminum (Aluminium)
Analog (Analogue)
Anesthesia (Anaesthesia)
Archeology (Archaeology)
Defense (Defence)
Gray (Grey)
Jewelry (Jewellery)
License (Licence)
Maneuver (Manoeuvre)
Mold (Mould)
Omelet (Omelette)
Pajamas (Pyjamas)
Skeptic (Sceptic)
Specialty (Speciality)
Tire (Tyre)
Vise (Vice)

Also, look out for these terms:
Apartment (Flat)
Argument (row)
Bathroom (loo, WC or Toilet)
Can (Tin)
Cookie (Biscuit)
Corn (Maize)
Elevator (Lift)
Fries (Chips)
Gas (Petrol)
Hood-car (Bonnet)
Lawyer (Solicitor, Attorney)
Line (Queue)
Mail (Post)
Pants (Trousers)
Parking lot (Car Park)
Soccer (Football)
Vacation (Holiday)

In British English the present perfect is used to express an action that has occurred in the recent past that has an effect on the present moment. For example:
I've lost my way. Can you help me look for it?
In American English the following is also possible:
I lost my key. Can you help me look for it?

In British English the above would be considered incorrect. However, both forms are generally accepted in standard American English. Other differences involving the use of the present perfect in British English and simple past in American English include already, just and yet.

British English:

I've just had lunch
I've already seen that film
Have you finished your homework yet?

American English:

I just had lunch OR I've just had lunch
I've already seen that film OR I already saw that film.
Have your finished your homework yet? OR Did you finish your homework yet?

There are many examples (too many for me to list here). Just bear in mind that you are reading American English. Enjoy.

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