Pages - British English vs English

I find it strange that English as used in England, and in the UK generally, is described in Pages as "British English" whereas American English is described simply as "English".

Since the English language originated in England, would it not be more appropriate to describe English English simply as "English" and American English as "American English"?

It's misleading to international users of Pages to describe American English simply as "English" because one would imagine, living as I do outside of both the UK and the US, that the standard international form of English is that spoken and used in England - the home of English - whereas English as used in Canada, Australia, and the United States, etc. is a deviation from that standard.

Does anyone understand Apple's reasoning on this issue?

I don't understand the reasoning either.
The only differences I've seen for both languages is for monetary units ($ and Pound Sterling signs), units (metric system) and the dictionary (tyres, colours).

I think us Brits will just have to get used to the fact that we dont own the language anymore and that there are more non British english speakers out there that can claim to own the language as much as anybody.

English's strength is that its an adaptable beast, evolves as it likes and has no central body laying down the laws of English (which would be akin to nailing jelly to a wall).

So India can develop its own English, the Americans can have their toe mate oes and I'll have my tor mart ows and English itself will continue to borrow new words and expressions from all its various branches. Let's call the whole thing off!

hartenm said:

It's misleading to international users of Pages to describe American English simply as "English" because one would imagine, living as I do outside of both the UK and the US, that the standard international form of English is that spoken and used in England - the home of English - whereas English as used in Canada, Australia, and the United States, etc. is a deviation from that standard.

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Contrary to popular belief, there is no such thing as a standard form of any language. There is no "international form" of English since it is taken up in different ways in numerous countries.

As to why Pages has labeled it this way, your guess is as good as ours. My guess is that, by using an American product, they've set their own language as "standard" against which everything else is measured. Thus, American English is standard and thus doesn't need to be qualified.

That's because I am currently the center of the known universe . . . and reside in America.

Since when did you usurp that title?

vansmith said:

Since when did you usurp that title?

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I never gave it up.

I don't remember abdicating the title. I'm a little lost here.

vansmith said:

I'm a little lost here.

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You wouldn't be if you were at the center . . . like me.