7 varieties of English language around the world

Imagine trying to order coffee in a foreign country. You ask for a “latte,” and the barista replies in perfect English, yet their accent or words feel unfamiliar. It might be because they say “flat white” instead of “latte” or call it “takeaway” instead of “to-go.” That is the beauty of the English language. It is the most widely spoken language worldwide and the official language of 60 countries with 1.35 billion speakers, but no two places speak it quite the same way. English is like a chameleon. It is a combination of many variants. English as a language adapts itself to the cultures and people who use it. Exploring its varieties isn’t just fun—it’s a way for you to understand history, culture, and how languages evolve over time. Join us today as we learn about the 7 main varieties of the English language around the world. Get ready for an adventure! 

1. British English 

Grandparent of the English language 

British English is the original version of the English language. The UK introduced English to many countries, and each added its own twist to the language over time. From London and Liverpool to Glasgow and York, you will hear many forms across the United Kingdom and itcomes with a variety of accents and dialects. UK English is also known for its crisp pronunciation, specific spellings and phrases like “fancy a cuppa?” For example, when someone offers you “chips,” they mean fries, not crisps. It can be a bit confusing in the beginning, but with practice, you can master this unique form of English. 

2. American English 

Hollywood’s favourite 

Whether it's movies, music, or social media, you can find traces of American English spread everywhere. It is one of the most influential and globally recognised versions of the English language today. With straightforward spelling and phrases that make life simpler, it dominates the world of business and entertainment. It is also the go-to language for international communication. Its distinct features, like vocabulary and pronunciation, make it different from British English. For example, Americans say “elevator,” while Brits say “lift.” Many times, these small differences have even led to amusing misunderstandings. 

3. Australian English 

The most laid-back version 

When you think about Australian English, you will find it to be the most laid-back version of the language. Australians really know how to make English their own. They have added a relaxed vibe to the language. It is packed with slang and a unique flair. You will also notice how they borrow words from Aboriginal languages, which adds an extra layer of uniqueness to their speech. A fun quirk of Aussie English is how they shorten words. For example, "breakfast" becomes "brekkie," and "afternoon" gets turned "arvo." Plus, when you greet someone in Australia, it is common to say "G'day." It sets a friendly tone from the beginning and makes conversations feel warm and inviting. 

4. Indian English 

A legacy of history 

Indian English comes with a splash of local spice. It's shaped by the many languages and cultures in India. India also has the second-largest English-speaking population in the world! You will find that its vocabulary and expressions reflect local customs and traditions. For example, Indians might say "prepone" to mean moving an appointment to an earlier time, which is something you won't hear in most other English-speaking countries. You'll also hear differences in pronunciation; for example, "schedule" is often pronounced as "shed-yool" instead of "sked-yool." Indian English also includes words from regional languages, adding a fun twist to everyday conversations. People often refer to tea as "chai," and you might hear someone ask, "What is your good name?" instead of just "What's your name?" 

5. Canadian English 

A blend of cultures 

Think of Canadian English as British and American English having a polite child. When it comes to spelling, you’ll notice Canadians tend to lean towards British forms, like “centre”, but when they talk, their accents sound more American. However, in other cases, they choose the American style too, like spelling “organize” with a "z." You will also hear some unique Canadian words and phrases influenced by French, Indigenous languages, and various immigrant communities. For example, you might hear Canadians call a shopping cart a "trolley" or a couch a "chesterfield." Another fun thing you will notice is how many Canadians pronounce "about," which can sound like "aboot." This accent is something many visitors find charming! 

6. South African English 

A rainbow of accents 

South African English is the result of a mix of languages that reflects the country's rich culture. You will notice that people often use words from Dutch, Afrikaans, and various local languages in their everyday conversations. Even though there are 11 official languages in South Africa, English is a common language that brings everyone together. This diversity creates a lively blend and reflects their multicultural society. For example, when you hear someone refer to a "robot," they're talking about a traffic light, and "bakkie" means a pickup truck. You will also come across some fun local slang, like "braai," which is their term for a barbecue. So, if someone invites you to a "braai," get ready for a great time grilling and socialising! It's all part of the unique charm of South African English. 

7. Irish English 

A language with rhythm 

Irish English, or Hiberno-English, is a blend of British English with Irish Gaelic roots. When you hear Irish English, you will notice its unique rhythm and musical tone. For example, instead of asking, "What's wrong?" an Irish person might say, "What's the matter with ya?" The way the Irish pronounce words also varies. A great example is how "th" can sound like "t" or "d." Irish people will also use "sure" as a filler, like "Ah, sure, it'll be fine!" This simple word adds warmth and charm to their speech. You will also catch some Gaelic words like "sláinte," which means cheers, and "céilí," which is a fun gathering with music and dancing. Picking up on these little things will help you enjoy the lovely rhythm of Irish English even more! 

The English language is an art. It is a unique blend of accents, idioms, histories and stories. Each type—from British elegance to Irish warmth will teach you something new. By appreciating these differences, you can make your language journey even more rewarding. If you're interested in learning more about the language and improving your skills, check out our variety of English programmes. We can help you enhance your reading, writing, listening and speaking English skills and make this unique language your own!