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Contemporary US Newspaper

Read a few articles from a contemporary US newspaper, and examine what distinct Americanisms are used, particularly those mentioned by H.L. Mencken in the 1920s.

Spelling Game

Play a game in which students have to identify whether a spelling is conventionally British or conventionally American.

Americanisms List

Create a list of all the definite Americanisms Mencken lists throughout The American Language. Indicate which are still relevant and used and which are now obsolete.

Opposite Day

Speak in the opposite (American or British) linguistic paradigm for the day, to the best of your ability.

Watch an Old, Short American Film

Find a short American film (or a clip from a film), with audio, from as far back as possible. Take note of the various idioms, phrases, and pronunciations of the characters.

H.L. Mencken

Discuss the biographical history of H.L. Mencken, focusing on his...

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