The results above show that only 11% (8 p) of the pupils had more BrE words
than AmE words in the first part of the questionnaire compared to 74% (52 p)
who had a majority of AmE words. 14% (10 p) had chosen five BrE words and
five AmE words. These pupils are shown in the column with No distinct variety.
We can see clearly from these results that the pupils have been more influenced
by American English than they have been influenced by British English. One
reason is that they are more exposed to AmE from the media, TV-shows and
movies than they are from BrE, which is only taught in school to many pupils.
Another possible reason is that they find AmE more cool or powerful i.e., AmE
might have a higher status in these classes than BrE does.
Preisler’s studies showed that English is a status symbol in m