just how different? UK = Canada

[Carol]

No: HPFGUIDX 180731

montims wrote:
>
> So when an American child is reading a book by a British author, about
> British protagonists having adventures in Britain, why on earth
would they
> be using American slang, and why would the author employ American
spelling?

Carol responds:

All American publishers have what's called "house style," a style of
spelling and punctuation used in all their books. That includes
Americanizing British spelling and punctuation. British slang is
another matter. Unless a word or phrase (like "pot plant" or "pecker")
has a different (and somewhat unsavory or off color) meaning in
American English, I agree with you that the slang and idiomatic
expressions should be retained. But I also think that it would be a
good idea to include a British-to-American glossary in the back of
each book, along with a list of phrases that might not be immediately
comprehensible. (I'm still thrown by some of Ron's expressions even
after seven books.) Ideally, an American editor would make a list of
terms that American readers (not just children) might find unfamiliar
and JKR would provide synonyms or definitions. Or, if she's unfamiliar
with the American terms, the American editors could compile a list of
definitions or synonyms for her approval, "sweater" for "jumper" and
"sneakers" for "trainers" being among the more obvious entries. But
"chocolate gateau" and "spotted dick" would require input from JKR
herself or a British editor, I would think, considering that such
"puddings" (desserts) seldom find a place on American tables or menus.
Inquisitive readers, kids especially, would find such a glossary
interesting, especially if it's done with a touch of mischievous
JKR-style humor.

Carol, noting that while American kids can read British books without
a glossary, a good glossary would eliminate confusion and increase
enjoyment, at least for those who want to learn a bit about British
customs and culture