The question of whether it is “behavour” or “behaviour” has sparked quite a debate among English language learners and even native speakers. it is my pleasure to shed some light on this matter and help clear up any confusion.
The correct spelling of the word is ‘behaviour.’ The addition of the ‘u’ is the standard British English spelling. In American English, it is commonly spelled as ‘behavior’ without the ‘u’. This disparity in spellings is just one of the many instances where British and American English differ. The variation in spelling can be attributed to historical reasons, as well as differences in pronunciation.
When it comes to which spelling you should use, it largely depends on where you are and who your audience is. If you are writing for an American audience or in an American context, it is best to use the spelling ‘behavior.’ On the other hand, if your audience is primarily British, or if you are writing in a British context, it is advisable to use ‘behaviour.’
To illustrate this further, let’s consider a few examples:
1. “My dog’s behavior has improved since we started training him.” In this sentence, the American spelling is used because it is assumed that the writer is addressing an American audience.
2. “The British are renowned for their polite behaviour.” Here, the British spelling of ‘behaviour’ is used, as the subject matter is related to British culture.
3. “It is important for teachers to model good behavior for their students.” Since this sentence doesn’t specify a particular context, both spellings can be considered correct.
It’s worth noting that while ‘behavior’ is more common in American English, ‘behaviour’ also appears in some American literature and contexts. Similarly, ‘behavior’ is becoming more accepted and frequently used in British English due to influences from American media and communication.
In addition to ‘behaviour’ and ‘behavior,’ it’s worth mentioning that there are other words in English that follow this pattern of spelling variation. For instance, ‘coloured’ (British) and ‘colored’ (American), ‘dialogue’ (British) and ‘dialog’ (American), ‘favour’ (British) and ‘favor’ (American).
In conclusion, both ‘behaviour’ and ‘behavior’ are correct spellings, but their usage depends on the English variety or context you are using. it is essential to be aware of these spelling differences and use them appropriately to meet the expectations of the English language assessment.