Hello Mr and Mrs Phill, what are we going to learn today?

Hello Celine, we are going to learn about world englishes today.

Introduction to Global Englishes

English is the most widely spoken language in the world today. It is the official language of 54 countries and is used as a second language by millions more.

English is also the language of international communication, business, science, and technology. But did you know that there are many different types of English spoken worldwide? In this book, we will take a journey through the fascinating world of global Englishes and learn about their diversity and evolution.

Who Speaks English Today?

English is spoken by over 1.5 billion people worldwide, making it the most spoken language globally.

It is the primary language in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. However, it is also spoken as a first or second language in many other countries, such as India, Nigeria, South Africa, and the Philippines.

The Difference between ENL, ESL, EFL, and ELF

ENL (English as a Native Language) refers to individuals who have learned English as their first language. For instance, people in the United Kingdom.

ESL (English as a Second Language) is used to describe individuals who have learned English as a second language in a country where English is the primary language.

Canada

EFL (English as a Foreign Language) is used to describe individuals who have learned English as a foreign language in a country where English is not the primary language.

ELF (English as a Lingua Franca) is used to describe English used as a means of communication between speakers of different languages.

Models and Descriptions of the Spread of English

English has spread worldwide through colonization, trade, and the dominance of the United States as a superpower. This has resulted in the creation of many different varieties of English. Some models describe this spread as a concentric circle, with native speakers at the center and non-native speakers at the outer rings. Others describe it as a world English, with multiple varieties and no clear center.

Kachru's Three Circles Model: This model categorizes English varieties into three circles, based on the types of speakers and contexts in which they are used. The inner circle consists of countries where English is the primary language, the outer circle consists of countries where English is used as a second language, and the expanding circle consists of countries where English is taught as a foreign language.

Schneider's Dynamic Model: This model emphasizes the dynamic nature of World Englishes and recognizes that varieties of English are constantly changing and evolving. Schneider's model describes the process of nativization, in which English varieties take on local features and become distinct from other varieties.

Kachru's Three Concentric Circles Model: This model is similar to the Three Circles Model, but it places greater emphasis on the interactions between the circles and the spread of English between them. The model highlights the ways in which English is influenced by local cultures and languages, and how these influences can be seen in the linguistic features of English varieties.

McArthur's Circle of World Englishes Model: This model emphasizes the interdependence of English varieties around the world, and it proposes that there is no single dominant form of English. Instead, there are many Englishes that are interconnected and influence each other.

Why English is a Global Language?

English has become a global language due to its historical, economic, and political importance. The British Empire played a significant role in spreading English worldwide through colonization, trade, and cultural influence. The United States has also played a significant role in the spread of English as a superpower after World War II.