Quote:
Originally Posted by nomesque
I use Australian idioms and spellings in my books. This does - every now and then - raise complaints from people. Usually American, unaware that there is more than one form of English, and unused to needing to adjust cultures in order to read a book. In particular, 'arse' is a 'misspelling' that REALLY annoys some folk. *snort*
|
Love this. I always write with Aussie spellings on the internet, and it's a little alarming how often in forums and the like this leads to confrontation by people from the US "correcting" my spelling. (Most usually, by pointing out what a "dumbass" I am, and other withering attempts at "pwning".) An example that immediately springs to mind is the past tense in words like "dreamt" or "leapt" or "spelt" (not the cereal), which is almost guaranteed to push people's buttons. And when others such as Brits or Kiwis have waded into the fray to point out they're valid spellings, it's a bit sad how frequently it's turned rancorous by obstinate (sorry, I have to say it) people from the US who apparently refuse to believe there are other ways to spell things and use English than the one way they're used to.
We've got an advantage, in a sense, of more experience in variations, if only because we're forced to adapt by encountering American spelling almost every moment of the day. But it still amazes me when Americans don't seem to realise even the possibility that other people in the world could do things differently from their way.