SOC104 - The Spread of English

Summary

This e-lecture traces the development of English from a regional to a global language. It covers key historical periods, including Old, Middle, and Early Modern English, and examines how English spread globally through colonialism and cultural influence. Using the three circles model, the lecture outlines countries where English is a native, second, or foreign language. The future of English is discussed in terms of its global dominance, influence from American English, and the rise of new varieties of English worldwide.

Takeaways

• 📜 English evolved from a regional to a global language over centuries.
• ⚔️ Old English had a strong Germanic character, while Middle English incorporated many Romance, especially French, influences.
• 📚 Early Modern English developed a rich vocabulary and laid the foundation for the global spread of English.
• 🌍 The first major step toward English becoming a global language occurred after the late 16th century, during Elizabeth I's reign.
• 🏛️ English's global spread is explained through Braj Kachru’s 'Three Circles' model: Inner Circle (native speakers), Outer Circle (colonized nations), and Expanding Circle (foreign learners).
• 🇺🇸 In North America, the first English-speaking settlers established permanent colonies in the 1600s, shaping early American English.
• 🚢 Australia’s English roots began with Britain’s penal colonies, which evolved as more settlers arrived in the 19th century.
• 📈 English is now used by over 1.5 billion people worldwide, with 300 million native speakers.
• 🛑 Some predict a resistance to English due to colonial history, while others foresee growing American influence.
• 🌐 The rise of 'World Standard Spoken English' may allow for a globally intelligible form, preserving national dialects while enabling international communication.

Q & A

What are the main periods of the English language mentioned in the lecture?

The main periods of the English language mentioned are Old English, Middle English, and Early Modern English.

How did Old English differ from Middle English?

Old English was Germanic in character, while Middle English lost many Germanic aspects and adopted Romance (especially French) properties, particularly in vocabulary.

What key development in the 16th century contributed to English becoming a global language?

By the end of the 16th century, English literature boomed with works by Shakespeare and others, and explorers like Francis Drake and Walter Raleigh laid the foundation for the spread of English in the New World and Australia.

What is the 'three circles' model of the spread of English?

The 'three circles' model categorizes countries into the Inner Circle (where English is a native language), the Outer Circle (where English is a second language), and the Expanding Circle (where English is recognized as a foreign language).

Which countries belong to the Inner Circle of English speakers?

Countries in the Inner Circle include Great Britain, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland.

What is the significance of the Outer Circle in the spread of English?

The Outer Circle consists of countries that were colonized by Britain or the United States, where English is spoken as a second language and plays a significant historical and governmental role. Examples include India, Nigeria, and South Africa.

How did English develop in North America?

English in North America began with the arrival of English settlers in the 1600s, such as Sir Walter Raleigh's expeditions and the Puritans on the Mayflower. Dialects evolved, influenced by groups like the Quakers and Scots-Irish.

How did the British penal colony in Australia influence the spread of English?

In 1788, Britain established a penal colony in Australia, which brought a large population of British settlers. By 1900, Australia had nearly 4 million people, with English becoming the dominant language due to British influence.

What are some of the possible future developments in the global use of English?

Possible future developments include resistance to English due to its colonial history, increased influence of American English, and the creation of new English varieties. A global standard of English may emerge while allowing for national dialects.

What role does the internet and mass media play in the future of English?

The internet and mass media play a crucial role in developing a globally understandable form of English, promoting international intelligibility while preserving national identity.