Difference Between American and Canadian Accent

Main Difference – American vs Canadian Accent           

We all know that English is one of the main languages spoken in both Canada and the United States. But the English spoken by Americans and Canadians is not the same. There are various differences between American English and Canadian English in terms of spelling, pronunciation, and vocabulary. In this article, we are going to look at the difference between American and Canadian accent. The main difference between American and Canadian accent is that Canadian accent is characterized by the Canadian raising.

American Accent

American accent is the way in which English is pronounced by American English speakers. Even though the language spoken in different states, regions and cities may differ widely, we are going to look at the features of general English in this article.

One of the most noticeable features of American English is its rhoticity. In American English, the is pronounced at the end of a syllable or before a consonant. Raising and diphthongizing a before nasal consonants and the use of unrounded vowels in words like lot and rot are other notable features in American pronunciation.

Main Difference - American vs Canadian Accent

Canadian Accent

One of the most noticeable features of Canadian English is the pronunciation of words with ‘ou’. For example, about, and out are pronounced like aboat and oat. This is mainly due to Canadian raising. Canadian raising is basically the raising of the tongue when diphthongs like /aɪ/ and /aʊ/ come before voiceless consonants.

Cot-caught merger is another difference in Canadian English. Some Canadian English speakers do not differentiate the vowels /ɔ/ (as in caught) and /ɒ/ (as in cot). This is merged as either [ɒ] (or [ɑ]. This results in a sound change known as Canadian Shift, which involves the front lax vowels /æ, ɛ, ɪ/.

Another interesting feature is the distinction between /hw/ and /w/. Canadian speakers tend to drop the distinction between /hw/ and /w/ sounds. For example, which/witch are considered as homophones. Even though this feature can also be noted in American English, this is more pronounced in Canadian English.

It is also interesting to note that although Canadian English is considered to be a part of the American sound system, the British influence too can be seen in certain words.Difference Between American and Canadian Accent

Difference Between American and Canadian Accent          

Definition  

American Accent is the way in which English is pronounced by American English speakers.

Canadian Accent is the way in which English is pronounced by Canadian English speakers.

British English

American Accent is different from the British accent.

Canadian Accent shows some traces of British influence.         

Canadian Raising

American Accent does not include Canadian raising.

Canadian Accent is characterized by Canadian raising.

 Canadian Shift

American speakers differentiate the vowels /ɔ/ and /ɒ/.

Canadian speakers do not differentiate the vowels /ɔ/ and /ɒ/.Difference Between American and Canadian Accent - infographic

Image Courtesy:

“American Flag” By Dbenbenn, Zscout370, Jacobolus, Indolences, Technion. – SVG implementation of U. S. Code: Title 4, Chapter 1, Section 1 [1] (the United States Federal “Flag Law”). (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia 

“Canadian Flag” By Created by E Pluribus Anthony / User:Mzajac – See below, (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia

About the Author: Hasa

Hasanthi is a seasoned content writer and editor with over 8 years of experience. Armed with a BA degree in English and a knack for digital marketing, she explores her passions for literature, history, culture, and food through her engaging and informative writing.