Linguistic Diversity in World Englishes: A Video Analysis of

Accents and Vocabulary

Arfan Ramanda
20220410007

Lecturer:
Dr. Marwito Wihadi, S.Pd., M.Pd.

ENGLISH EDUCATION DEPARTMEN

FACULTY OF TEACHER TRAINING AND EDUCATION
KUNINGAN UNIVERSITY
2025
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS....................................................................................................................2
ABSTRACT.........................................................................................................................................3
CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................................4
1.1 Background of Study.................................................................................................................4
1.2 Problem Identification...............................................................................................................5
1.3 Research Objectives...................................................................................................................5
1.4 Framework.................................................................................................................................5
CHAPTER II LITERATURE REVIEW...........................................................................................6
2.1 Previous study............................................................................................................................6
2.2 Theoritical overview..................................................................................................................7
CHAPTER III RESEARCH AND METHOD OBJECT.................................................................9
3.1 Research Object.........................................................................................................................9
3.2 Research Method.......................................................................................................................9
CHAPTER IV RESULT AND DISCUSSION.................................................................................10
4.1 Results......................................................................................................................................10
4.2 Discussion.................................................................................................................................11
CHAPTER V CONCLUSION..........................................................................................................13
REFERENCES..................................................................................................................................14
 ABSTRACT

Abstract: This research examines the linguistic diversity of World Englishes through an
analysis of accents, vocabulary, and sentence structures in three YouTube videos representing
Kachru's Three Circles of English: the Inner Circle (American English), the Outer Circle
(Indian English), and the Expanding Circle (Japanese English). Using a qualitative
descriptive method, the study identifies significant linguistic variations influenced by cultural
and phonological factors. The findings reveal that Inner Circle English demonstrates formal
and rhetorical proficiency, Outer Circle English incorporates localized linguistic elements,
and Expanding Circle English reflects challenges in achieving fluency due to phonological
interference. This study underscores the adaptability of English to diverse sociolinguistic
contexts and emphasizes the importance of embracing linguistic diversity for improved cross-
cultural communication. The implications of these findings contribute to the development of
inclusive pedagogical approaches in language education, fostering a deeper understanding of
English as a global language.
Keywords: Accent Variations, World Englishes, Linguistic Diversity.
 CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of Study

World Englishes refers to the diverse variations of the English language used by
speakers across the globe, each with its own unique accents, vocabulary, and grammatical
structures. This concept was first introduced by linguist Braj Kachru in 1985, who developed
the influential Three Circles model to categorize English usage into three distinct groups: the
Inner Circle, the Outer Circle, and the Expanding Circle. The Inner Circle includes countries
where English is the first or dominant language, such as the United States, the United
Kingdom, Australia, and Canada. In contrast, the Outer Circle consists of countries where
English is used as a second language, like India, Nigeria, and Singapore, where it often serves
as a lingua franca in education, government, and business. Finally, the Expanding Circle
comprises countries that use English as a foreign language, such as Japan, South Korea, and
China, where English is predominantly learned for international communication and
academic purposes.

The relevance of studying World Englishes has become even more pronounced in
today's interconnected global context, where English is widely regarded as a global lingua
franca in areas such as business, international diplomacy, tourism, and academia. As English
continues to spread across the world, it undergoes various transformations to meet the
cultural, social, and communicative needs of local communities. According to Pakir (2011),
English's role as a lingua franca enables people from diverse linguistic and cultural
backgrounds to engage in communication, making it essential to understand how English
evolves across different contexts and regions. These variations in pronunciation (accents),
vocabulary, and even grammar reflect the adaptive nature of English, allowing it to maintain
its status as a bridge between speakers from different linguistic backgrounds. In addition,
understanding these linguistic differences is crucial for improving cross-cultural
communication, fostering mutual respect, and minimizing misunderstandings in both
personal and professional interactions.

The choice of YouTube videos as the object of study in this research is grounded in
practical and methodological considerations. YouTube provides a rich, easily accessible, and
diverse collection of content that showcases authentic, real-world examples of spoken
English in a wide range of contexts. Videos also capture the dynamic and contextual nature of
language use, offering insights into how accents, vocabulary, and expressions are employed
in real-time communication. As highlighted by Zaluzhna (2020), YouTube has become a
significant platform for sociolinguistic research due to its vast repository of language data,
making it an ideal source for studying variations in language use across different social
contexts. One of the selected videos for this study is titled Donald Trump gives first speech of
second term as US president from the Sky News channel, which represents the Inner Circle
accent, particularly the American variety of English. This video is an example of English
used in a high-profile political context, demonstrating how a particular accent and vocabulary
can shape the delivery and interpretation of a message.

As highlighted by Andayani (2022) the differences in English varieties is crucial in this

era of globalization. As English becomes increasingly ubiquitous in international discourse,
speakers from various regions often bring distinct interpretations of words, phrases, and
pronunciations. These differences can influence communication in significant ways, affecting
comprehension, interpretation, and even interpersonal relationships between speakers from
different parts of the world. By studying accents and vocabulary from various circles of
World Englishes, this research aims to contribute to a broader understanding of how English
evolves and adapts in different global contexts. This research will provide valuable insights
into how the global spread of English impacts communication and cultural exchange,
emphasizing the importance of linguistic diversity in a rapidly globalizing world.

1.2 Problem Identification

1. How do differences in accent, vocabulary, and sentence structure reflect the varieties of
World Englishes?

1.3 Research Objectives

1. Analyze the differences in accent and vocabulary of speakers in the Inner, Outer, and
Expanding Circles.

1.4 Framework

The conceptual framework of this study is built upon the World Englishes theory
(Kachru, 1985), which categorizes English into three concentric circles: the Inner Circle
(native English-speaking countries), the Outer Circle (countries where English is a second
language), and the Expanding Circle (countries where English is learned as a foreign
language). This research focuses primarily on the Inner Circle, specifically American
English, as represented in the selected YouTube video of an American political speech. By
analyzing the accents and vocabulary used in the video, this study explores how English
adapts to various cultural and social contexts, reflecting the dynamic nature of the language
in global communication.

In addition, the study incorporates concepts of code-switching and nativization,

examining how English speakers blend local linguistic features with global English forms.
The framework also considers the impact of linguistic imperialism and empowerment in
understanding the global spread of English. As English serves both as a tool of dominance
and empowerment, this study will analyze how its different varieties, especially in the Inner
Circle, shape communication, identity, and social interactions. The goal is to gain insights
into how English continues to evolve and function across diverse cultural contexts, furthering
understanding of its role in global discourse.
 CHAPTER II
LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Previous study

Fitria's study explored the accent variations between American English (AmE) and
British English (BrE), highlighting the differences in pronunciation and their implications for
English Language Teaching (ELT). Fitria emphasized how understanding these accent
variations is essential for teachers and students, particularly in a globalized world where
English is used in diverse contexts. She argues that both American and British English should
be recognized as valid variants, with no fixed standard, as long as communication remains
effective (Fitria, 2023).

Similarly, Putriani et al. (2023) focused on the importance of speaking English with
confidence, particularly in non-native contexts like Indonesia. Their research emphasized the
challenge learners face when attempting to speak English, often due to reluctance stemming
from fear or insecurity. Their study also pointed out the necessity of understanding English as
an international language, not necessarily tied to native speakers, as this perspective
encourages learners to be more open to various accents and varieties of English. The study
found that understanding different English accents fosters better communication and
empowers learners to engage in conversations across global contexts.
The study by Gunawan (2024) explored students' perceptions of World Englishes
(WE) in English Language Teaching (ELT), revealing both the benefits and challenges
students face in learning about WE. Their research found that students recognized World
Englishes as the diverse varieties of English spoken across regions, noting that learning about
these variations helps them understand the global nature of the language. However, students
also encountered difficulties when trying to grasp the concept of WE in the classroom,
indicating the need for more tailored teaching methods to help students overcome these
challenges. To further support this discussion, a study by Oktavinanda (2023) reviewed 18
research articles on the incorporation of WE in English teaching worldwide. The review
revealed that while many have attempted to incorporate WE in English classrooms, clear
procedures on how to implement this, along with the outcomes, are still hard to find.
Bukhari (2023) investigated the impact of a Global Englishes for Language Teaching
course on teachers' attitudes towards teaching English as a global language. The findings
revealed that exposure to Global Englishes concepts positively influenced teachers'
perspectives, encouraging them to embrace diverse English varieties in their teaching
practices. Selvi et al. (2023) provided a comprehensive account of the spread of English as a
global language, discussing historical, sociolinguistic, and pedagogical perspectives. They
emphasized the need for English language teaching to adapt to the realities of English as an
international language, suggesting that teaching practices should reflect the diverse ways
English is used worldwide.
Nah, E. (2024) this study explores the historical development and nuances of various
English accents, providing valuable insights for interpreters. By analyzing the accents of
public figures from different regions, the research contributes to a deeper understanding of
how accent variations influence communication. The findings underscore the importance of
incorporating knowledge of diverse English accents into interpreter training to enhance
communicative proficiency. , Miller, C., et al. (2023) study addresses the challenges that
Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) systems face when processing accented speech. It
introduces a novel corpus of accented speech, Earnings-22, and presents approaches like
custom vocabulary and multilingual modeling to improve ASR performance. The study
highlights the need for standard benchmarks to facilitate research and comparison in the field
of accented speech recognition.
Study by Fitria (2022) investigates the phenomenon of Javenglish, where Javanese
speakers speak English with a Javanese accent, through video analysis of Instagram Reels.
The findings reveal that English speakers in Indonesia can be influenced by their native
language accents or dialects, resulting in variations in English pronunciation. Muliyana et al.
(2023) study analyzes the Bugis Bone accent in students' English pronunciation. The results
show that native language backgrounds influence students' English accents and
pronunciation, which can pose challenges in cross-cultural communication.

2.2 Theoritical overview

The concept of World Englishes is deeply rooted in the work of linguist Braj Kachru, who
introduced the Three Circles model in 1985 to categorize the global spread and variation of
English. The Three Circles model consists of the Inner Circle, Outer Circle, and Expanding
Circle, each representing different levels of English proficiency and usage across regions.

1. The Inner Circle refers to countries where English is the native or dominant
language, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada.
English is used in everyday life, education, government, and media in these regions,
making it the primary language for communication. Kachru (1985) identified these
countries as the "norm-providing" circle, where the standard forms of English are
typically based.
2. The Outer Circle includes countries where English is an official second language,
such as India, Nigeria, and Singapore. In these regions, English plays a vital role in
education, business, and governance but is often influenced by local languages and
cultural practices. English in the Outer Circle countries is typically used as a bridge
language between different linguistic groups. Researchers like Kachru (1985)
emphasized how these countries contribute to the pluralization of English, adapting
the language to local contexts.
3. The Expanding Circle encompasses countries where English is taught as a foreign
language, such as Japan, South Korea, and China. In these regions, English is mainly
used in academic and international communication settings. While English is not the
first or second language, it is a key tool for global interactions, making it essential for
non-native speakers to master the language.

As Pakir (2011) points out, understanding World Englishes, particularly the distinctions
between these circles, is crucial for global communication. This model helps explain the
dynamics of English as a global lingua franca and highlights how the language evolves across
regions and cultural contexts.
Characteristics of Accents and Vocabulary in World Englishes

Accents, vocabulary, and even grammar variations are key characteristics of World
Englishes. The diverse pronunciation patterns that emerge across regions influence not only
how English sounds but also how meanings are conveyed. Accents reflect the pronunciation
patterns specific to different regions, which can sometimes cause misunderstandings in
international communication. For example, accents in the Inner Circle, such as American and
British English, are often considered standard in English-language teaching, despite the
existence of other regional variations. Fitria’s (2023) study on the accent variations between
American English (AmE) and British English (BrE) revealed that while both accents are
recognized globally, they present challenges for learners and speakers due to their distinct
pronunciations and cultural implications in communication.

Vocabulary in World Englishes varies significantly depending on the region, with

words and expressions influenced by local cultures and linguistic practices. For instance, the
term "lorry" in British English is equivalent to "truck" in American English, demonstrating
how vocabulary can reflect regional identities. Similarly, in the Outer and Expanding Circles,
English incorporates words from local languages, adapting to cultural contexts Putriani et al.,
(2023). This process of nativization or localization plays a significant role in shaping
English in different parts of the world. Selvi et al. (2023) discuss how global English teaching
should adapt to these variations, reflecting the diverse ways English is used across cultural
contexts.
 CHAPTER III
RESEARCH AND METHOD OBJECT

3.1 Research Object

The object of this study consists of three YouTube videos, each representing one of
Kachru's World Englishes circles: Inner, Outer, and Expanding. The first video features
Donald Trump delivering a speech as the President of the United States, showcasing
American English (Inner Circle). The second video is speech video by Rashmika Mandanna,
an Indian actress, representing Indian English (Outer Circle). The third video presents a
Japanese tv show when roleplaying in cinema, highlighting Japanese English (Expanding
Circle). These videos were selected to explore the linguistic diversity of English as used in
different cultural and geographical contexts, particularly in terms of accent, vocabulary, and
syntactic structures.

3.2 Research Method

This study employs a qualitative descriptive method to analyze the linguistic features
of the selected videos. The data collection process involved transcribing the dialogues to
capture key elements such as pronunciation, word choices, and sentence structures. The
analysis focused on examining accents, vocabulary, and syntactic patterns, employing
Kachru’s (1985) World Englishes framework to identify and describe variations in English
usage across the three circles. By highlighting these distinctions, the study aims to provide
insights into how English adapts to different cultural and linguistic contexts.
 CHAPTER IV
RESULT AND DISCUSSION

4.1 Results

The analysis of the three videos revealed significant differences in pronunciation, vocabulary,
and sentence structure across speakers from the Inner, Outer, and Expanding Circles. These
differences reflect how linguistic and cultural factors influence English usage in diverse
contexts.

Inner Circle Outer Circle (Indian Expanding Circle

Feature
(American English) English) (Japanese English)

The American speaker Japanese English

Indian English
demonstrated fluency speakers struggled with
pronunciation showed
and clarity, consonant
influence from native
characterized by pronunciation, such as
phonology, with notable
features like linking replacing "l" with "r"
substitutions such as "d" for
speech (e.g., or vice versa (e.g.,
Pronunciation "t" (e.g., "congratulations"
"flourish_and be "really" becoming
pronounced as
respected"), rhoticity "reary"). There was
"kongradulations"). Stress
(e.g., pronounced "r" also the addition of
patterns were also irregular,
sounds in "world" and vowel sounds at the
influenced by syllable-
"respect"), and smooth end of words (e.g.,
timed rhythm.
intonation. "ticket" as "tiketo").

Vocabulary use was

Vocabulary included
The vocabulary combined basic and repetitive,
formal and high-register
formal and conversational with a reliance on
words typical of
elements, including simple, frequently used
political speeches, such
culturally specific words. Limited
as "flourish,"
expressions like "smiling exposure to English
"prosperous," and
Vocabulary queen," which may not resulted in frequent
"vicious
translate directly into other pauses and occasional
weaponization,"
varieties of English. borrowing from
reflecting the speaker’s
Informal terms like "super Japanese, leading to
intent to convey
proud" were also used direct translations that
authority and inspire
frequently. did not align with
confidence.
English syntax.

Sentence The speaker utilized The Indian speaker Sentence structures

Structure complex and compound primarily used short, simple were basic and
sentences, often sentences with noticeable fragmented, with
employing parallelism grammatical frequent pauses to
and repetition for inconsistencies, such as search for words.
rhetorical effect (e.g., omitting articles ("Thank Repetition of phrases
 Inner Circle Outer Circle (Indian Expanding Circle
Feature
(American English) English) (Japanese English)

was common as a
"flourish and be
you for all of you inviting coping strategy, and
respected... proud,
me"). Sentence structures attempts to use more
prosperous, and free").
often reflected direct complex sentences
These structures
translations from Indian were often interrupted
demonstrated mastery
languages. by errors in word order
of formal English.
or grammar.

1. Cultural Influence:
o In the Inner Circle, the American speaker’s speech demonstrated a high degree
of cultural and contextual relevance, using political and formal language.
o The Outer Circle speaker incorporated culturally resonant phrases that
connected to the local audience, reflecting the integration of English into
Indian cultural identity.
o In the Expanding Circle, the Japanese speakers was heavily influenced by their
native language's phonological system, highlighting the difficulty of achieving
native-like fluency.

2. Intelligibility and Audience:

o The American speaker’s clarity and rhetorical devices made the speech
accessible to a global audience.
o The Indian speaker’s accent and grammar posed occasional challenges but
remained intelligible due to the widespread familiarity with Indian English.
o The Japanese speakers’ pronunciation and limited vocabulary reduced
intelligibility, highlighting the need for targeted language support in
Expanding Circle contexts.

4.2 Discussion

The results align with Kachru's World Englishes theory, illustrating how English adapts to
the linguistic and cultural contexts of different circles:

Inner Circle:

The American English speaker in this study reflects the "norm-providing" role of the
Inner Circle. The sophisticated vocabulary and rhetorical devices employed in the speech,
such as "flourish," "prosperous," and "vicious weaponization," exemplify the cultural
emphasis on persuasive and formal communication. This finding supports Selvi et al. (2023),
who argue that Inner Circle English often sets linguistic standards due to its dominance in
global media and academia. The speaker’s fluency and mastery of formal structures illustrate
how English is used to convey authority and influence in political contexts.

Outer Circle:
 The Indian English speaker’s pronunciation, vocabulary, and sentence structures highlight
the process of nativization, where English incorporates local linguistic and cultural elements.
Examples such as the substitution of "d" for "t" in "congratulations" and the use of culturally
resonant phrases like "smiling queen" reflect the adaptation of English to the speaker’s
sociolinguistic environment. As Fitria (2023) and Gunawan (2024) emphasize, this adaptation
underscores English's functional role in multilingual societies like India, where it serves as a
bridge language for communication. Despite challenges, such as irregular stress patterns and
grammatical inconsistencies, the speaker's ability to connect with their audience highlights
the communicative effectiveness of nativized English.

Expanding Circle:

The Japanese speakers illustrate the challenges of adopting English due to

phonological differences and limited exposure. Issues such as substituting "l" for "r" (e.g.,
"really" becoming "reary") and adding vowel sounds to words (e.g., "ticket" as "tiketo") align
with observations from Putriani et al. (2023), who note that native language phonology often
influences English pronunciation in the Expanding Circle. These findings also resonate with
Bukhari (2023), who emphasizes the need for tailored teaching methods to address such
linguistic challenges and improve comprehension and fluency.

Global Context:

The study underscores the importance of recognizing the diversity of English varieties
to promote inclusivity and improve cross-cultural communication. As highlighted by Selvi et
al. (2023), embracing the pluralism of English not only enhances mutual understanding but
also empowers non-native speakers to confidently use their localized English varieties.

Local Context:

For language education in Indonesia and other Expanding Circle regions, the findings
highlight the need for pedagogical approaches that address specific linguistic challenges.
Incorporating insights from studies like Fitria (2022) on Javenglish and Muliyana et al.
(2023) on Bugis Bone accents, language programs should aim to bridge the gap between
local linguistic features and global English standards. Encouraging learners to embrace their
unique accents and identities can foster greater confidence and effectiveness in
communication.
 CHAPTER V
CONCLUSION

This study aimed to analyze the linguistic diversity in World Englishes by examining
accents, vocabulary, and sentence structures in three YouTube videos, each representing one
of Kachru's Three Circles: the Inner Circle (American English), the Outer Circle (Indian
English), and the Expanding Circle (Japanese English). The findings highlight significant
variations in pronunciation, vocabulary, and sentence structure, influenced by cultural,
phonological, and linguistic factors.

The Inner Circle speaker demonstrated mastery of formal English, using

sophisticated vocabulary and rhetorical devices, reflecting the norm-providing role of this
circle. The Outer Circle speaker illustrated nativization, blending English with local
linguistic elements, while still achieving communicative effectiveness. The Expanding
Circle speakers faced challenges due to phonological differences and limited exposure to
English, resulting in fragmented speech and reduced intelligibility.

These findings align with Kachru’s World Englishes theory and emphasize the
adaptability of English to diverse cultural and linguistic contexts. The study underscores the
importance of recognizing and valuing linguistic diversity to promote inclusivity and improve
cross-cultural communication. For language education, the results highlight the need for
pedagogical approaches that address specific linguistic challenges while fostering confidence
in using localized English varieties.

In a globalized world, embracing the pluralism of English not only enhances mutual
understanding but also empowers speakers from all circles to contribute effectively to global
discourse. Future research could expand on this study by exploring other World Englishes
varieties and examining their role in specific professional or social contexts.
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