Why do you write that way?
I’m sure that some of you might wonder why I tend to employ Commonwealth English rather than American English, even though I was born and reared (partially; I lived in Europe for six years) in the United States. No, it’s not to annoy you and make you all (meaning the Americans) correct me!
Well, I utilise that sort of English for various stylistic reasons. First off, living in England and Germany and reading several English-written books will do that to you. Secondly, most of my communications on the net are with Australians and Britons, so there is a considerable influence there. I can also co-ordinate my Europeanised spelling with French and German, which is far easier for me. This is also the reason why I tend to use Latin-based words like “intelligent” rather than their Anglo-Saxon equivalents (clever, for example)when the words aren’t that esoteric and are easily intelligible to my audience. I do have older writings which are very strongly American, but I need to edit them so that all my writing is standardised.
In addition, I plan on eventually expatriating to England or Australia, so it all makes sense.
Also, hardly any international organisation uses American spelling.
