Here's why:
* Spelling variations: American English has its own unique spelling compared to British English (e.g., "color" vs. "colour", "center" vs. "centre"). Canadian English often uses a blend of American and British spellings.
* Vocabulary differences: There are words that are common in one variety of English but less so in another. For instance, "flat" for an apartment is British, while "apartment" is American.
* Grammar and punctuation: There are slight variations in grammatical rules and punctuation usage between different English-speaking countries. For example, American English generally uses a period after abbreviations like "Dr." while British English uses a full stop (.).
* Regional dialects: Even within a country, different regions may have distinct ways of speaking and writing, which can influence standard English usage.
Here are some examples of countries with distinct written standard English:
* American English: Used in the United States.
* British English: Used in the United Kingdom.
* Canadian English: A blend of American and British English, with its own distinct features.
* Australian English: Has its own unique vocabulary and grammar.
* Indian English: Influenced by regional languages and has its own unique style.
Important to note:
* International standard: While differences exist, there is a concept of "international standard English" that emphasizes clarity and communication.
* Context matters: When writing, it's important to consider your target audience and choose the appropriate variety of English.
Therefore, while English is a global language, its written standard varies across different countries due to historical, cultural, and regional factors.