Most Americans are familiar with only two other varieties of English: British English and Australian English. However, those varieties are just two among the many varieties of English spoken around the world.
Using “colour” instead of “color” is an example of the different spellings used across the globe. But varieties of English differ not only in spelling, vocabulary and pronunciation, but also in grammar and nuance. For example, understanding African English might require a deeper understanding of the culture it comes from.
To express “Hi, how are you? You look really great!”, African English speakers may say, “Hello, I see you’ve put on weight.” Some may consider it rude, but it does not mean “I’m going to embarrass you by saying that you’ve put on any weight.” Actually, it means “I’m glad to see that you look healthy.”
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