What dialect is british English?

It's not entirely accurate to say British English is a dialect. It's more accurate to say that British English is the standard variety of the English language spoken in Britain.

Here's why:

* Dialects vs. Varieties: A dialect is a regional or social variety of a language that differs in pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary from other varieties. A variety of a language is a broader term and can encompass both regional and social differences.

* British English is the "Standard": Standard English is a codified variety of a language that is used in formal settings like education, government, and media. British English is the standard variety of English in Britain, just as American English is the standard variety in the United States.

* Regional Variations: Within Britain, there are numerous regional dialects of English, each with its own unique features. These dialects differ from Standard British English in various ways.

Therefore, while British English is the standard variety in Britain, it also encompasses a wide range of regional dialects. It's like saying "American English" is a dialect, when it's actually the standard variety in America, with many regional dialects within it.