2 English as a Global Language
Explore World Englishes and language variation.
50 min
6 oppgaver
World EnglishesELFLanguage variation
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The Global Reach of English
English is spoken by approximately 1.5 billion people worldwide, making it the most widely spoken language on the planet. But how did this happen, and what does it mean for global communication?
English as a Global Language:
- L1 speakers: Native speakers (approximately 400 million)
- L2 speakers: Second language speakers (approximately 750 million)
- ELF speakers: English as a Lingua Franca users (millions more)
Why English Became Global:
1. British colonialism (17th-20th centuries)
2. American economic and cultural dominance (20th century)
3. The internet and digital communication
4. International business and science
World Englishes
Inner Circle:
Countries where English is the native language
- UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland
Countries where English is the native language
- UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland
Outer Circle:
Countries where English has official status
- India, Nigeria, Singapore, Philippines, Kenya, South Africa
Expanding Circle:
Countries where English is learned as a foreign language
- Norway, China, Brazil, Russia, Japan, Germany
Key Varieties:
- British English: colour, favourite, lift, flat
- American English: color, favorite, elevator, apartment
- Indian English: prepone, do the needful, timepass
- Singaporean English (Singlish): lah, can, shiok
English as a Lingua Franca (ELF)
Definition:
A lingua franca is a common language used between speakers with different native languages.
A lingua franca is a common language used between speakers with different native languages.
Characteristics of ELF:
- Focus on communication over "correctness"
- Flexible grammar rules
- Code-mixing is common
- Native speaker norms less important
Advantages of ELF:
- Enables global communication
- Democratizes language use
- Practical and functional
Criticisms:
- Cultural imperialism concerns
- Loss of linguistic diversity
- Advantage for native speakers
- May oversimplify complex ideas
✏️Example: Language Variation
Hvordan kan den samme setningen se forskjellig ut i ulike engelske varianter?
"I am going to the shop to buy trainers/sneakers."
British English:
"I'm going to the shop to buy some trainers."
- shop, trainers, queue, rubbish, lift
American English:
"I'm going to the store to get some sneakers."
- store, sneakers, line, garbage/trash, elevator
Australian English:
"I'm heading to the shops to grab some runners."
- shops, runners, arvo (afternoon), brekkie (breakfast)
Indian English:
"I am going to the shop to purchase sports shoes only."
- "only" used for emphasis
- more formal vocabulary often preferred
Why it matters:
Understanding these variations helps us communicate more effectively with English speakers worldwide and appreciate the rich diversity of the language.
📝Oppgave 1
Match the word with its variety of English:
a
Biscuit (meaning cookie)
b
Arvo
c
Prepone (opposite of postpone)
d
Sidewalk
📝Oppgave 2
Categorize the following countries into the correct circle of World Englishes:
a
Singapore
b
Norway
c
Australia
d
Kenya
📝Oppgave 3
Translate these British English words to American English:
a
Flat
b
Lorry
c
Trousers
d
Petrol
📝Oppgave 4
Refleksjonsoppgave: Diskuter fordelene og ulempene ved at engelsk er et globalt sprak.
📝Oppgave 5
Research task: Choose one country from the Outer Circle (India, Nigeria, Singapore, etc.) and write a short report (200-250 words) about:
📝Oppgave 6
Debate preparation: "Native English speakers have an unfair advantage in international communication."
a
List three arguments FOR this statement.
b
List three arguments AGAINST this statement.
c
Write a conclusion stating your personal view.