Students' awareness of the varieties of English

Abstract

The present thesis focuses on the study of the students` awareness of the varieties of English. The aim of the present thesis is to find out to what extent the students of English studies at the University of Tartu are aware of three most popular varieties of English (British, American and Australian), which factors influence the usage of a particular variety and which variety the students use the most. Furthermore, two thesis statements were formed: 1. Students know and use American and British English more than Australian English; 2. Students are able to differentiate between the varieties and in their language use stick to one particular variety.