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Global English Questions

The document outlines various English varieties, their histories, and language features, including Singlish, Runglish, and Spanglish. It discusses criteria for a global language, dangers of English dominance, weaknesses in Kachru's Circles Model, UNESCO's stages of language death, and methods for language preservation. Additionally, it explains how English became a global lingua franca through colonialism, US economic power, and media influence.

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16 views

Global English Questions

The document outlines various English varieties, their histories, and language features, including Singlish, Runglish, and Spanglish. It discusses criteria for a global language, dangers of English dominance, weaknesses in Kachru's Circles Model, UNESCO's stages of language death, and methods for language preservation. Additionally, it explains how English became a global lingua franca through colonialism, US economic power, and media influence.

Uploaded by

dilrabo0789
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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1) Description and History of English Varieties

Here are nine varieties of English, with their history and language features:

1. Singlish (Singaporean English)

●​ Developed in Singapore due to British colonization (1819–1963).


●​ Influenced by Mandarin, Malay, Tamil, and Chinese dialects (Hokkien,
Cantonese).
●​ The Singaporean government promotes Standard English, but Singlish remains
widely used in informal settings.

Language Features:

●​ Simplified Grammar ("He go home already" instead of "He has gone home").
●​ Unique Particles ("lah", "leh", "hor", used for emphasis or uncertainty).
●​ Code-Switching (mixing English with Malay, Hokkien, Tamil words).

2. Runglish (Russian-English)

●​ Evolved among Russian-speaking communities in English-speaking


countries.
●​ Popular among Russian immigrants in the US, UK, and Canada.

Language Features:

●​ Russian grammar with English words ("Я драйвлю машину" = "I drive a car").
●​ Direct translations from Russian ("Take on the pencil" instead of "Pick up the
pencil").

3. Spanglish (Spanish-English)

●​ Developed in Latin American immigrant communities in the US.


●​ A result of bilingualism and cultural blending.

Language Features:

●​ Mixing English and Spanish words ("Voy a parquear el carro" instead of "Voy
a estacionar el coche").
●​ Direct translations from English ("Te llamo para atrás" instead of "Te devuelvo
la llamada").

4. Indian English

●​ Introduced by the British during colonization (1757–1947).


●​ English became an official language of India after independence.
Language Features:

●​ Unique Vocabulary ("prepone" = opposite of "postpone").


●​ Influence of Indian languages ("I am having a headache" instead of "I have a
headache").

5. Britalian (British-Italian English)

●​ Evolved in Italian immigrant communities in the UK.


●​ Used in business and social interactions.

Language Features:

●​ Mixing Italian words with English grammar ("I go to the lavoro" instead of "I go
to work").
●​ Italian pronunciation of English words ("plasta" instead of "plastic").

6. Australian English

●​ Developed from British English, with influences from Aboriginal languages.


●​ Unique slang emerged due to geographic isolation.

Language Features:

●​ Shortened Words ("arvo" = afternoon, "brekkie" = breakfast).


●​ Rising intonation at the end of statements.

7. New Zealand English

●​ Similar to Australian English, but influenced by Māori language.

Language Features:

●​ Māori loanwords ("whānau" = family, "kia ora" = hello).


●​ Distinct vowel pronunciation ("fish and chips" sounds like "fush and chups").

8. South African English

●​ Influenced by British colonization (19th century) and Afrikaans language.

Language Features:

●​ Unique Vocabulary ("robot" = traffic light, "braai" = BBQ).


●​ Afrikaans-influenced pronunciation.

9. African American Vernacular English (AAVE)


●​ Developed in African American communities in the US during slavery and
segregation.

Language Features:

●​ Omission of "to be" verbs ("He happy" instead of "He is happy").


●​ Double negatives ("I ain’t got no money").

2) Three Criteria for a Global Language (David Crystal)

1.​ Large Number of Native and Non-Native Speakers


○​ A global language is spoken by millions worldwide.
○​ Example: English has 1.5 billion speakers (native + non-native).
2.​ Use in Key International Domains
○​ A global language is dominant in business, diplomacy, science, and
media.
○​ Example: English is the main language of the UN and World Bank.
3.​ Official Status in Multiple Countries
○​ A global language is widely used in education, law, and governance.
○​ Example: English is an official language in over 70 countries.

3) Three Dangers of a Global Language (David Crystal)

1.​ Linguistic Power


○​ English-speaking countries have an economic and political advantage
over non-native speakers.
○​ Non-native speakers must learn English to compete in global business,
diplomacy, and education.
2.​ Linguistic Complacency
○​ Native speakers of a global language become less motivated to learn
other languages.
○​ This leads to reduced cultural understanding and communication
skills.
3.​ Linguistic Death
○​ The spread of a global language can lead to the extinction of smaller
languages.
○​ Example: Many Indigenous languages have disappeared due to
English dominance.

4) Weaknesses of Braj Kachru’s Circles Model

1.​ Does Not Reflect English as a Lingua Franca (ELF)


○​ Today, English is used for global communication between non-native
speakers, which Kachru’s model does not address.
2.​ Overlooks Variations of English
○​ The model does not account for varieties like Singlish, Spanglish, and
Runglish.
3.​ Rigid Classification
○​ Some countries move between circles (e.g., the Netherlands functions
more like an ESL country than EFL).

5) UNESCO Stages of Language Death

1.​ Vulnerable – Children speak it, but mostly at home.


2.​ Definitely Endangered – Children no longer learn it as a first language.
3.​ Severely Endangered – Only the elderly speak it.
4.​ Critically Endangered – Few speakers remain, and they rarely use it.
5.​ Extinct – No living speakers.

6) How to Preserve a Language from Death

1.​ Education – Teach it in schools.


2.​ Daily Use – Encourage speaking it at home.
3.​ Media – Create TV, apps, and books in the language.
4.​ Government Support – Recognize it officially.
5.​ Intergenerational Transmission – Pass it down through families.

7) How English Became a Global Lingua Franca

1.​ Colonialism – British Empire spread English worldwide.


2.​ US Economic Power – After WWII, the US became the dominant superpower.
3.​ Technology and Media – Hollywood, the internet, and global business
reinforced English’s dominance.

8) First and Second Diasporas of English

1.​ First Diaspora (16th–19th century) – English spread to USA, Canada,


Australia, and South Africa due to British settlers.
2.​ Second Diaspora (19th–20th century) – English spread as an administrative
and trade language in colonies like India, Nigeria, and Singapore.

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