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'''American English''' is the [[English]] language as spoken in the United States.  Slang varies a great deal between the U.S. and Britain, and there are noticeable differences in pronunciation and accent; however  written American English is almost identical with British English, with some variations in spelling.<ref>"Color," "labor",  "defense" and bank "check" are standard in the U.S.; "colour," "labor," "defense" and bank "cheque" are standard in Britain and the former [[British Empire]].</ref>  Inside the U.S. spelling and grammar are highly standardized, but pronunciation varies by region and social factors (such as race and education). American English derived from British English, but since independence in 1776 has diverged in various relatively small ways.  All the major dictionaries published in the U.S. feature American English, often with a note on British differences.

'''American English''' is the [[English]] language as spoken in the United States.  Slang varies a great deal between the U.S. and Britain, and there are noticeable differences in pronunciation and accent; however  written American English is almost identical with British English, with some variations in spelling.<ref>"Color," "labor",  "defense" and bank "check" are standard in the U.S.; "colour," "labor," "defense" and bank "cheque" are standard in Britain and the former [[British Empire]].</ref>  Inside the U.S. spelling and grammar are highly standardized, but pronunciation varies by region and social factors (such as race and education). American English derived from British English, but since independence in 1776 has diverged in various relatively small ways.  All the major dictionaries published in the U.S. feature American English, often with a note on British differences.

Since 1945 Hollywood has overwhelmed the much smaller film industries in Britain and Canada, familiarizing the British with American English.  In India, however, the local film industry--called "Bellwood"--keeps alive the distinctive Indian variations  of English.

Since 1945 Hollywood has overwhelmed the much smaller film industries in Britain and Canada, familiarizing the British with American English.  In India, however, the local film industry--called "Bollywood"--keeps alive the distinctive Indian variations  of English.

In spoken form, American English consists of a number of different dialects. Distinctive dialects of American English include those spoken in the South, New England, and the Midwest, as well as local areas such as New York City, to name only a few. Even these dialects can be broken down further into distinctive dialects, such as the English spoken in Brooklyn, or that spoken in Boston. African American English is itself a dialect.

In spoken form, American English consists of a number of different dialects. Distinctive dialects of American English include those spoken in the South, New England, and the Midwest, as well as local areas such as New York City, to name only a few. Even these dialects can be broken down further into distinctive dialects, such as the English spoken in Brooklyn, or that spoken in Boston. African American English is itself a dialect.