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Noah Webster: his dictionary and the language of the new nation

Look at the short sentences below. Can you say which of them are US English and which of them are British English? 1. She has her own private airplane. 2. I live in a block of flats. 3. Just get in line and wait your turn like everybody else. 4. I can't find my keys. Did you see them anywhere? 5. Which team are losing? 6. Why don't you take a rest now? 7. They needn't come to school today. American lexicographer Noah Webster (1758-1843) was a pioneer in giving American English a status distinct from that of British English. He  was driven by the idea of creating a dictionary that would fully reflect the language of a new nation and a new country. To achieve this goal he eliminated words which were of no use to Americans and included those which were unique to the country.  Noah Webster, US lexicographer  He was also convinced that English spelling rules were confusing and supported Benjamin Franklin’s idea that “people spell best who do not kn