Abstract and Key Words

Abstract: This thesis is an empirical study, aiming to research the differences between American English and British English vocabulary which is a reflection of historical and cultural diversity in different religions. From the two English, namely, British English and American English history process, from vocabulary of British English and American English, and their historical evolution and development process, the thesis analyzes the differences between them, discusses the trend of the English development, and predicts the prospect of English and helps English learners to improve ability of using language.

Key words: vocabulary; difference; American English; British English.

摘 要：本文是关于英国英语与美国英语的词汇差异研究的实证研究。英国英语与美国英语的词汇差异是不同地区文化历史等方面的多样性的一种体现。本文从英语的两大地域变体，即英国英语与美国英语的历史演变过程着手，从词汇层面分析了英国英语与美国英语的差异，通过实例介绍了英国英语与美国英语的历史演变和发展过程，分析其中的差异及产生差异的原因，并探讨英语的发展趋势；提出对英语前景的预测，旨在帮助英语学习者提高语言运用的能力。

关键词：词汇；差异；美国英语；英国英语

1. Introduction
    Language is a part of culture and a means to reflect culture. In other words, language is a means of cultural reflection. Language and culture are inseparable. As a part of language, vocabulary is the most effective means to express cultural ideas and whatever the people want to express.
   Being the paternal language of the other native English (Canadian English, Australian English, New Zealand English and South African English), British English and American English today are the two main English languages of the English-speaking world.
Language always changes with the development of the society and varies people’s lifestyle. Language changes in many aspects, such as vocabulary, pronunciation, grammar and semantic and so on. And the development of English in vocabulary can be summarized into three aspects: first, even though the United States continued to use British English in some old usage, it also developed by itself, and English in the UK obtained a great development; second, American develops independently, and absorbs large amount of vocabulary, which make themselves developed; third, two languages influences each other.