Divided by a common language

[indri]

For some reason, a discussion at work as to whether the word "whence" should ever be used in technical documents led me to this: Wikipedia's take on differences between US and UK English.

As a product of both educational systems, I have to say the article cleared up a few things for me, like why I'm never sure whether to put punctuation inside or outside a quotation mark. And no wonder that I get terribly confused about "inside" and "outside" lanes.

Mind you, I'm well aware that I often use my schooling as a get-out-of-jail-free card (gaol?). "Oh, I'm sure that's correct usage in one of the places I've lived." Cobblers.

ETA: Excellent essay by romanyg here on Spike and Angel.

Comments

[keswindhover.livejournal.com]

Heh. I enjoyed that. It's always tempting to assume your way is sensible, and the 'other half' are potty - but the demise of 'gotten' and the rise of 'ised' for 'ized' in British English makes no good sense.

[indri]

I prefer the British way of dealing with punctuation in quotations, as it makes more sense from a logical/computing point of view, as they said. But "ise"? I wonder if that was in reaction to the US "ize". But "outside" lanes should be on the outside of the road, shouldn't they?

*is confused*

BTW, I only had time to skim when you posted all those pics of western Scotland -- thank you for them. I grew up in Edinburgh but never managed to visit the northwest of the country. I'd love to go. Although I assure you that the view from Fort William is good when it's not pea-souper foggy.

[keswindhover.livejournal.com]

I'm glad you enjoyed the pics! If you get the chance you should definitely go - just pray it doesn't rain the whole time.

I would like to go back and visit some of the islands further out - and I'll make sure it's in whale season this time. Seeing whales is great.