clipped from: www.ewriteonline.com   

Truck Or Lorry?  Elevator Or Lift?
Most offshore agents speak British (or Commonwealth) English as their first or second language.  As we all know, British English differs from American in some funny ways.  In British, braces hold up trousers and boots contain spare tires; in American, braces straighten teeth and boots hold nothing but feet.  But language always reflects culture, and the cultural differences between British  and American English can affect how offshore agents communicate with American customers.  British English tends to be more formal and less direct than American English, traits that can cause problems when offshore agents e-mail American customers.