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Understanding British vs. American Car Vocabulary – A Must for Transcriptionists

As professional transcriptionists, we often encounter audio that crosses regional boundaries—whether it’s a British podcast, an American interview, or a multinational conference call. Understanding regional vocabulary differences is crucial for accurate, high-quality transcripts. One area where this contrast is especially noticeable is car parts. That’s why our latest video walks you through the essential differences between British and American English terms for common vehicle components.

In this new transcription exercise video, we present 16 real-world examples of car parts that are commonly named differently in the UK and the US. You’ll hear and see each part, be asked to guess whether the terminology is the same or different, and then get a quick explanation of the correct terms. The video offers not just a chance to test your language awareness, but also a useful refresher for transcriptionists who regularly switch between dialects.

Participate in today’s transcription practice here: YouTube

We also dive into a bit of word history, explaining where some of these terms come from—like the Norse origin of “window” and the Greek roots of “petrol.” These language insights aren’t just fun trivia; they’re valuable context that can help you make smarter decisions when choosing terminology, especially when your transcription software doesn’t clarify accents or local usage.

If you want to boost your regional vocabulary, improve your transcription accuracy, and enjoy a practical language drill at the same time, this video is for you. Click through, test your knowledge, and pick up some helpful tips for your next project. And while you’re there, be sure to subscribe for more transcription-focused content and time-saving tools.

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The FTW Transcriber