No, I don’t mean swearing, I mean spelling, and how much this affects your reading experience. And no, I’m not talking about accidental yet persistent typos that slip past all the editors and proofreaders and the author who has read a manuscript a dozen times. I’m talking about different forms of English in this world and how that affects spelling in books.
As an Australian author who grew up learning and using Australian English it was a bit of a shock to the system when I first got published to realise (realize) that I was expected to adopt US English instead of Australian or British English. It seemed strange to me that my Regency-era historicals, set in England, were expected to use US versions of words I thought should be spelled the British way, especially because these were English characters, in England. So words like favourite had to lose the “u” to become favorite, etc, etc.
I did it, because my publishers were US, and the bulk of their readership was US-based, and there have been times when some readers have complained about non-US spelling in books, and I didn’t want readers to crucify my book because of the way I spelled things.
But it leads to some interesting questions. I’ve now got a number of contemporary books set in Canada, and my understanding is that Canadian English sees a blend of US and British English, with either way permissible. So which is the right way to spell things? Authentically, as I might read on a website of a Canadian business? Or what some (US) readers might expect?
I have a number of Australian author friends, some of whom have put disclaimers in the front of their books about the book using Australian English, and pleading for readers to not ding them in reviews for using Aussie spelling. Some have even included glossaries with explanations for words that some readers might not be familiar with, like arvo (afternoon) or footy (depending on the state that could mean AFL / Australian Rules Football / Aussie Rules or it could be rugby league, or rugby union).
I studied linguistics as part of my degree at university, and the globalisation of language has long fascinated me. I’ve seen the creep of certain US phrases into general Australian usage, such as “swap out” instead of just plain “swap” (like, what’s the need for an “out”?) happen more and more, thanks to movies, TV, music and books. But it goes the other way too. Did you know “selfie” is an Australian word? (Not sure I’m counting that as a win :) Aussies use many abbreviated words – it’s just part of our culture.
Which leads me to my dilemma. If I want to set a book in Australia, knowing my readership is mostly American, do I use Australian English to give it a greater sense of authenticity? I’d want to, just like I’d want to keep the Aussie settings and characters, even though my agent told me I should change it to an American setting (with, you guessed it, an American character). But I don’t want readers to get upset because I’m using “bad” spelling, when really it’s just not spelled the way some think it should be.
Since I’ve started publishing I now write all my books with US spelling, and I’ve noticed how it’s influenced how I spell words on a day-to-day basis, from emails to shopping lists. I now use a blend of Aussie and US spelling in my reader newsletters, because I’m hoping to help “train” readers that Aussie English is a legitimate way of spelling so they don’t ding me in reviews for the one-day publication of my Aussie-based books.
In my most recent Regency we used more British spelled words because I finally had an editor who understood the irony of an English person in England using American-spelled words. And that’s another factor: all editors have their own version of what is “right” – so finding one that understands an author’s stylistic flavour (flavor) and voice is essential.
Please note: I am NOT bashing readers from the US. I LOVE my US readers. I’m simply pointing out something that many international authors have struggled with, which is why I need your help.
Because I still have many questions. What do you, as a reader, think about the use of spelling in a book? Do you even notice the spelling? If you do, how much does that play into your reading experience? Have you come across some interestingly spelled words – or interesting words – in books you’ve read? What do you think about disclaimers and glossaries? And for more international readers, like those in Germany, which version of English have you learned and does that affect what you expect to read?
Let’s chat!
Carolyn Miller lives in the beautiful Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia, with her husband and four children. A longtime lover of romance, Carolyn loves drawing readers into fictional worlds that show the truth of God’s grace in our lives. Her Regency and contemporary novels are available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Book Depository, Koorong, etc
Words and spelling stand out to me.
As an Aussie I do like English spelling and grammar, but with so much literature coming from American authors, I accept their spelling and don’t screech ‘typo’ , even though I would like to….lol.
I don’t think it’s right for readers to leave bad reviews for Aussie and English authors, just because they don’t like the spelling.
As a South African, I am far happier with English/ Australian/South African spelling/ language and yet I have also learned to adjust smoothly to US spelling / language when I read US books.
Spelling that is authentic to the country of the author and the setting should be acceptable for everyone, and should be seen as broadening ones knowledge and horizons.
A disclaimer at the beginning of the book should be sufficient to reassure a reader from another country and maybe Americans should have a disclaimer in their books for the UK market.
To me, anything else seems discriminatory.
Hi Carolyn! I am a German American retired high school German and English teacher. I am fascinated by language. My favorite German English dictionary is the Oxford / Duden. The Oxford dictionary English translations are specified American, British or Australian. German students begin learning British English in 3. grade, but in 7. grade learn about the United States and American English. Primarily they learn British English. As a writer spelling and word choice is different, but teaching students to speak English – there is also different rhythm and intonations to the major English dialects. Same whether German students speak high German, or Austrian or Swiss German.
As a reader, I enjoy reading books set in other countries with an authentic feel. I appreciate when the author lets me know they will be using British or Australian English spellings for authenticity and maybe has a glossary for unusual expressions. Sometimes a blend works best so not to overwhelm the American reader. I recently read an American best seller about Michigan Indigenous people and there was just too much in the Indigenous language, which was confusing to read. Also tried to read some regency period Scottish books and had a difficult time reading due to the Scottish text.
As a book reviewer (over 1100 on Amazon), my reviews are written about readability – does the story flow, characters, setting, plot and resolution. Not so much on spelling and grammar. With spell check we all have typos. I read enough high school essays to know it is easy to spell words differently or incorrectly. In my reading I discovered that Independent Published authors often take editing more seriously than some major publishing companies. A fact discussed the last two months in my local library’s book club. Best wishes and Happy Writing.
I read several books written by Australian authors. I do notice the difference in the spelling and word usage. If I don’t understand the word, I highlight it, and the kindle gives me the definition.
I like it when the author gives us a heads up at the beginning of the book about the spelling of the words. I would never give a bad review for the spelling of the words. I would contact the author if there wasn’t a heads up at the beginning of the book.
Have a great day!
“How arrogant some American readers are!” That’s all I could think reading your post, Carolyn. I’ve never actually stopped and thought about spelling too hard before, but it does bug me when a British character in a British setting speaks American English. Now that I know the struggles of international authors, I want more books to be written in the “right” English. I think it’s insane that you have to write in a way (that honestly doesn’t make sense logically) to please a certain group of people or else they’ll give you bad reviews. Reviews should be content-based only in my opinion. Wow…now I’m annoyed. So because of this self-important American English “rule” characters and settings have been stripped of authenticity. I’m sorry you’ve had to juggle all that when really you should have just been writing the books God put on your heart.
As an editor/proofreader, I NEED to know if you’re writing a book taking place in the US with US characters, or if you’re writing a book with all English characters taking place in England!! If you’re writing a book set in Australia, with Australian characters, I’d expect you to use your Australian English. For someone to tell you otherwise is just wrong. Just like a book sent in England with English characters should definitely use British English!! I grew up reading Betty Neels’ books, and Sue Peters’ books, and learned the petrol is gasoline, a lorry is like a semi, and a few other things. It doesn’t bother me a bit! It does bother me to read a book set in the US and with American characters to use terms that we don’t use. If you have a book with mixed nationalities, I don’t see why the Aussie character can’t still use their own language, though. I would expect it!
As a South American we receive many translated books from Mexico or Spain, few from our own country Chile, so I wouldn’t complain about differences in grammar by country, I’m just used to it.
Trudy! Your post made this German / American chuckle. I often used British English examples in my German and English high school classes. I know what a “lift” and “boot” of a car are. Plus cracker has a different meaning. That is why I enjoy browsing the Oxford dictionary. I agree, as a German American adopting to life in the US with relatives living in Germany I am bothered when a book set in the US uses wrong expressions.
This has been an interesting post and topic. I am not an educated person. I’m just an old hillbilly. I do not think you were American bashing at all. I would, however, like to apologize that we Americans seem to think that “it is all about us”.
I think a disclaimer and glossary are good. Even some of the Amish novels I read have glossaries. I also think that characters from different countries (and times for that matter) should have their own dialect to make it authentic.
Gah — this really bothers me — that international writers have to Americanize their spelling. As if a reader wouldn’t understand that ‘neighbour’ and ‘neighbor’ are the same word and both are correct. And I’ve often wondered over all the Regencies I read with their American spelling. I’m Canadian though, so it’s pretty easy for me to go with either spelling and I really don’t notice it as a reader. I would definitely NOT give a low review because of spelling. I rate for my engagement in the story and the characters.
Oh — and funny note — when I first started writing reviews I had someone constantly email me to inform me of not only my spelling ‘errors’ but grammatical ones as well. I would politely email back explaining that I’m Canadian and my spelling was correct and that I’m not writing formal reviews, more off the cuff book-chatty reviews so I really didn’t care about the grammar. Oh, and punctuation. I still quake every time I go to place a comma which is probably why I use ‘ — ‘ so much which is another taboo, I know. :-)
This is a really interesting topic, I’ve found it fascinating reading everyone’s replies. I’m from the UK, so would use British English spellings usually, but I read a lot of American books so am used to their spelling too. I find it fun to find new or different uses of words and phrases and learn the meaning.
I was really surprised to find you were required to Americanise your spelling. I’m afraid I had assumed that Australia English followed American spellings until today as this is mostly what I have read in books by Australian authors. I don’t think it’s right for people to have to change as it’s perfectly possible for readers to still understand less familiar spelling or grammar.
I got an audiobook version of a 1940s English crime novel the other day – I have the printed book so have read it before. The audiobook had changed ‘High Street’ in the original to ‘Main Street’ – I assume this was for a US audience, but it definitely wasn’t how it was written originally!
Hello! I am Romanian. In school, we learn Oxford English (or at least this is how I was told a few decades ago, that it comes from Oxford and it is the Queen’s English). Of course, with so many American movies and books, after the needed exams, our English deteriorated a little into a mix of English and American.
At some moments, I am not sure anymore what origin is the word I use (English or American) because I just know I have heard/ read it several times in x context, and it means x.
When reading a book in English (or watching a film) I would like to hear the specific accent/ read the spelling of the specific English spoken where the story is set. (No, not quite dialects in writing, because this is impossible to read, especially if it is an Irish/ Scottish brogue or Mark Twain’s Southern characters, slaves and so…) But yes, a book or a movie about a certain subject is first and foremost an act of culture, and secondly an act of entertainment. Nothing is bad spelling if spelled according to the region.
It seems strange for me that the Americans want stories set in the US. I would say, by contrary, they know already how is life in US and they should be more curious how it is abroad… The more exotic, the better…
Right? I agree that it’s unfair that people punish an author for not using their version of ‘English.’ Thanks for commenting!
You raise some good points here. Thanks for commenting today!
Thanks so much, Renate – I knew you’d have some fascinating insights to share! I agree that there needs to be a careful balance of ‘new-to-the-reader’ words so it’s not overwhelming. It’s all about trying to create a positive reader experience!
I think that it lends a lot to the story if it is written in the language of the story, whether it is British, Australian or US English. It would be important to know the meanings at the beginning of the book if it differs a lot, though.
Thanks so much Bonnie. I really appreciate your comment- that’s helpful to know.
Oh, I didn’t mean to bag out (oops, is that an Australianism? I can barely tell these days!) anyone, but I do think it’s helpful to share the broader perspective of many international authors (& readers). Appreciate you xx
See, I’m with you. I LOVE learning about the world, and language is so fascinating in how it reflects a culture. I agree it should fit and authentically showcase the country it’s set in. Which does get fun when there are characters from different countries…
Now translations is a whole other conversation! I’ve had books translated into Dutch and German and it’s so interesting to see how just the titles get translated!
God bless you Bonnie. (Sending you a hug) A glossary and disclaimer seems to make sense.
Ha! I think I was part of a generation in Australia that missed specific grammar lessons, so I know my comma usage isn’t awesome – hence my love of the em dash and its friends! Thanks for sharing your thoughts Kav. I find the grammatical ‘errors’ equally interesting. I think I basically need to make up my own version of Aussie words and US speech marks and put a big ol’ disclaimer at the front about it all!
Ooh, see when it gets into that kind of changing words that gets a little wrong, I feel. High Street for the win!
Thank you so much for commenting Marina! I love learning about how others have learned English. I agree that there is so much to discover about other countries by reading, and I LOVE to read about other places.
Thanks Kathleen. I appreciate your comment!
G’day Cazza,
Thought I’d drop into this convo and have a yarn. I’m from Down Under and love our lingo! It’s unique, expressive and True Blue. Perfectly understandable to us Aussies.
I understand though that it would not be appropriate to use in any books for global publications unless is was a narrative between two Australian characters.. I do notice spelling differences but I realise that American spelling is the most common for publications.
I would expect though, that English characters would be using English expressions with English spelling!
Seems bizarre to me that your American audience would expect American spelling in the narrative. Seems even more bizarre that anyone would take the time to criticise any author on whether they use English or American spelling. Don’t we read to learn? Don’t we read to expand our world, experiences, perceptions? Books are entertaining but they are also educational. I like looking up a word that I do not know. Especially when it’s old English or French or Latin and still in use. Kindle has a useful definition/word use function.
Books versus Kindles is a topic for another day!
Thanks for writing in whatever language Carolyn, I love your books, all genres and all settings!
Dead set!
Hahaha! Love your work. I have to admit I always wanted a nickname and Cazza was about all I could find. Weirdly (thankfully?), suggesting it to my friends in primary school never took off. (Caz sounds a little more refined, so if anyone wants to use this, I might even answer…)
I’m an American. I read for entertainment and to learn about other people and places. If a story is taking place in Australia, then Australian English should be used; if taking place in England, then British English should be used. If there are words or phrases that are less well known, then include a glossary. The story feels more real for me when the language is authentic to the place and time. I was always a bit frustrated that the Harry Potter books (written by a British author about people living in Britain) had words and phrases changed for the American versions.
Ooh, I didn’t know they changed Harry Potter! I do know they filmed a different ending of the 2005 Keira Knightley Pride and Prejudice for American audiences. What is Aussies saw at the movies was different to the ‘bonus alternative ending’ on the DVD. It’s fascinating how certain people make choices about what different markets might expect.
notice it
It doesn’t really bother me to have words spelled differently as far as Australia English and American English go. They’re usually spelled similarly enough it’s not hard to understand or anything.
I do appreciate a glossary in the back for certain terms I’m not familiar with, though usually you can grasp the meaning through context.
I think you do a good job of writing and I say write however works best for you. The ones who enjoy your books will follow you no matter what, and the nitpicking ones will never be happy anyway so why bother?
I’m a Caz have been that most of my life. Go for it!