Varieties of English

4th ESO Project

Introduction

Index

1. English Language: Facts and Numbers2. Spread of English Language

2.1 Colonial British Empire2.2 American English2.3 Technology and Internet

3. World Englishes4. Conclusions

1. English Language:Facts and Numbers

•Speakers of English: – 1st language: over 300 million– 2nd language: 400 million– Foreign language: 600-700 million

•Family: Indo-European Language (Germanic Branch)•Kachru's 3 circles theory:

–Inner circle: 1st language–Outer circle: 2nd language–Expanding circle: priviledged foreign language

• Defining features of a variety: geography and class

Countries where English is official and also majority's native language (blue) and countries where English is official but ISN'T majority's native language (light blue).

2. Spread of English Language

The global spread of English language has several reasons, the main 3 reasons are:1) Rise of Colonial British Empire2) America's influence and power around the world3) Rise of technology and internet

2.1. Colonial British Empire

• UK's expansion started with Elizabeth I• Reached high point during Queen Victoria's reign (19th cent.)• Areas colonized:

– America: Caribbean, USA (east coast), Canada– Asia: India, Pakistan– Africa: from Sudan to South Africa – Australasia: Australia, New Zealand, New Guinea

2.2. American English

• After World War I and II USA gained a lot of global power and status• All the pop culture from USA brought English language and culture all over the world• Influenced different sectors: Finance,Politics, Science,Research, etc.

2.3. Technology and Internet

• Technology and Internet have made the global spread of English possible• Technology is also the reason for the fast spread of the powerful countries' language and culture• All the popular culture is spread through internet, strengthening effect of globalisation

Summary of historic facts that made the spread of English possible:

3. World Englishes

• World Englishes or Global Englishes are the result of the spread of language• English has become the lingua franca of globalisation• English language does not belong to any country

– English is mixed with different languages–It is adapted by its speakers to their reality

Conclusions

• English has become due to different reasons one of the most spoken languages• It is spoken by more non-native speakers than native speakers•Discussion points:

–Is there one English that is more correct than others?–Which one should be learned?

• Visit: Mouton's world map to listen to some examples of different varieties