Global English:
Global language - Primarily alludes to such language being spoken in a number of different countries.
Although, it also suggests that there is some power and prestige linked to the language.
Global English facts -:
Today, about 5% of the total population are native English speakers.
However, what makes English a global language is its 2.3 billion speakers worldwide (David
Crystal).
Out of 195 countries, 67 have English as the primary language of official status. There are a
further 27 countries where English is the second official language.
People have strong feelings about global English - it is an attitudes topic after all. Some believe that
there is no such thing as 'English anymore'. In fact, there are many different 'Englishes'. Others suggest
that if English continues to fragment (as is currently the case) then communication will become
increasingly difficult. There is even the idea that, whilst English may be the dominant language now, it
may not keep such status for much longer. Not all of these arguments are purely linguistic but rather
politically motivated.
David Crystal - The term 'world Englishes' is used "to reflect the reality of what happens when English
becomes a global language."
As a country takes up the English language, it immediately adapts it to suit its circumstances -
they make it their own.
This is because you "want an English that reflects your local interests."
This has happened ever since English began and it only takes a matter of weeks for a new
English to come about.
World Englishes -:
Chinese English.
Indian English.
Singaporean English (Singlish) - the English-based creole or patois spoken colloquially in
Singapore. Although English is the lexifier language, Singlish has its own unique slang and syntax,
which becomes more pronounced in informal speech. Singlish first emerged when Singapore
gained independence 50 years ago, and decided that English should be the common language
for all its different races.
However, this worked out slightly differently as the various ethnic groups within Singapore began
infusing English with other lexis and grammar. English became the official language, but Singlish became
the language of the street (e.g. the phrase 'catch no ball' or 'liak bo kiu' has the local meaning 'don’t
understand'. Singaporeans like to use this as a way to express a lack of understanding towards a certain
topic.).
Ghanaian English - a variety of West African English spoken in Ghana confined to a smaller
section of society than other West African creoles (e.g. 'oh' is used for emphasis; 'I'm very sorry'
becomes 'I'm sorry oh').
English as a ‘Lingua Franca’ (ELF) - This refers to the role of English as a bridging language in interactions
where it is not everyone’s first language.
This used to be the case with Latin.
Global language - Primarily alludes to such language being spoken in a number of different countries.
Although, it also suggests that there is some power and prestige linked to the language.
Global English facts -:
Today, about 5% of the total population are native English speakers.
However, what makes English a global language is its 2.3 billion speakers worldwide (David
Crystal).
Out of 195 countries, 67 have English as the primary language of official status. There are a
further 27 countries where English is the second official language.
People have strong feelings about global English - it is an attitudes topic after all. Some believe that
there is no such thing as 'English anymore'. In fact, there are many different 'Englishes'. Others suggest
that if English continues to fragment (as is currently the case) then communication will become
increasingly difficult. There is even the idea that, whilst English may be the dominant language now, it
may not keep such status for much longer. Not all of these arguments are purely linguistic but rather
politically motivated.
David Crystal - The term 'world Englishes' is used "to reflect the reality of what happens when English
becomes a global language."
As a country takes up the English language, it immediately adapts it to suit its circumstances -
they make it their own.
This is because you "want an English that reflects your local interests."
This has happened ever since English began and it only takes a matter of weeks for a new
English to come about.
World Englishes -:
Chinese English.
Indian English.
Singaporean English (Singlish) - the English-based creole or patois spoken colloquially in
Singapore. Although English is the lexifier language, Singlish has its own unique slang and syntax,
which becomes more pronounced in informal speech. Singlish first emerged when Singapore
gained independence 50 years ago, and decided that English should be the common language
for all its different races.
However, this worked out slightly differently as the various ethnic groups within Singapore began
infusing English with other lexis and grammar. English became the official language, but Singlish became
the language of the street (e.g. the phrase 'catch no ball' or 'liak bo kiu' has the local meaning 'don’t
understand'. Singaporeans like to use this as a way to express a lack of understanding towards a certain
topic.).
Ghanaian English - a variety of West African English spoken in Ghana confined to a smaller
section of society than other West African creoles (e.g. 'oh' is used for emphasis; 'I'm very sorry'
becomes 'I'm sorry oh').
English as a ‘Lingua Franca’ (ELF) - This refers to the role of English as a bridging language in interactions
where it is not everyone’s first language.
This used to be the case with Latin.
