Spelling: English (UK) versus English (US)

[Graham Coulson]

I have a question: I don't mean to offend any sensitivities about spelling or indeed grammar, but let's face it, there can be quite a difference between UK and US English and I was wondering if, when I finally make my first eBook purchase, does one have any choice of country in terms of the book's publishing? By this I mean, can one avoid US spelling such as color, favor etc?

Thanks in advance.

Graham.

[pdurrant]

Originally Posted by Graham Coulson

I have a question: I don't mean to offend any sensitivities about spelling or indeed grammar, but let's face it, there can be quite a difference between UK and US English and I was wondering if, when I finally make my first eBook purchase, does one have any choice of country in terms of the book's publishing? By this I mean, can one avoid US spelling such as color, favor etc?

Well, theoretically you should find UK spelling in a book from a UK publisher and US spelling in a book from a US publisher. And in a sane world, you'd be able to choose whether to buy a book from a US publisher or a UK publisher, and so get your preferred version.

But with publishers enforcing the regional restrictions in their publishing contracts, your choice of publisher is probably restricted.

And even if you could choose, I 'm not sure how much care publishers are putting into doing trans-atlantic 'translations' these days.

The one book series I have paid attention to in this regard is Harry Potter. And there I think you would be rewarded by getting a UK version, when the ebooks eventually come out, and assuming that they do come in UK and US versions. (The US publisher has not only Americanised spellings, but has also made more significant changes in word choice, and even re-written a phrase or two.)

I think my rambling answer could be summarised as: Perhaps, but only if you're lucky.

[Ben Thornton]

I've not encountered any ebooks that offered this.

[Graham Coulson]

Many thanks, pdurrant, for your very helpful, not in the least rambling, and full reply, which is much appreciated. You confirm my worst fears!

Kind regards.

Graham.

[DMB]

I shall get annoyed when UK books have US spelling, but I've read US books for ages and just treat it as reading a familiar foreign language.

On a side note, have you noticed how the American spelling "skeptical" is creeping into the British media?

[Ben Thornton]

Originally Posted by DMB

On a side note, have you noticed how the American spelling "skeptical" is creeping into the British media?

Prove it!

[Graham Coulson]

Yes, and worse still, expressions like "in back of..." and "look it"... YUK! (no disrespect to our Transatlantic cousins intended). I suppose you could say I'm a bit fanatical or obsessive to be so irritated by such a relatively insignificant thing, but I have to say that when I'm reading and am absorbed in a book, it gives my train of thought a real jolt in coming across a mis-spelt word or bad punctuation or poor grammar, which literally leaps off the page at me!

[pdurrant]

Originally Posted by Graham Coulson

which literally leaps off the page at me!

Cough...

(That literally leapt off the screen and knocked off my monocle. No, not really.)

[HarryT]

British English for British books; American English for American books. That's what seems right to me.

[HarryT]

Originally Posted by pdurrant

Cough...

(That literally leapt off the screen and knocked off my glasses. No, not really.)

My head literally explodes when I see that!

[Fbone]

Originally Posted by Graham Coulson

... but I have to say that when I'm reading and am absorbed in a book, it gives my train of thought a real jolt in coming across a mis-spelt word or bad punctuation or poor grammar, which literally leaps off the page at me!

Quality of ebooks vary. Be prepared.

I'm not sure ebooks are for you.

[Graham Coulson]

I think I like the thought/picture of a monocle better than I do a can of Coke at this early hour!!

[pdurrant]

Originally Posted by Graham Coulson

I think I like the thought/picture of a monocle better than I do a can of Coke at this early hour!!

So did I. Thus the edit, which I thought no-one had noticed!

[Quexos]

Well I happen to be annoyed when I read a UK version of a book written by an American author and the spelling is changed to British English.
I love reading color, neighbor, endeavor, traveling, and of course skeptical
To me, "sceptical" seems strange. But I'd accept it if the author chose it.

In my opinion, maybe all books everywhere should be published with the spelling chosen by the author and no liberties should be taken by the publishers to alter the spelling.

Originally Posted by DMB

I shall get annoyed when UK books have US spelling, but I've read US books for ages and just treat it as reading a familiar foreign language.

On a side note, have you noticed how the American spelling "skeptical" is creeping into the British media?

[Ben Thornton]

I rather like skeptic with a k, it's from the Greek after all.

Perhaps readers should come with software to apply personal preferences (although such software solutions can be hazardous - e.g. if used to attempt to read this thread!)