World Englishes (Purposive Communication)

Summary

The video script explores the concept of 'World Englishes,' highlighting the diversity of English as it adapts to various global contexts. Introduced by linguist Braj Kachru, the 'three concentric circles' model categorizes countries based on their relationship with English: native, second language, and foreign language use. The script delves into Philippine English as a postcolonial variety, rich with unique lexical innovations and cultural influences. It emphasizes the legitimacy of each English variety, with their distinct grammatical, lexical, and syntactic features, showcasing the dynamic evolution of the language worldwide.

Takeaways

• 🌐 World Englishes refers to the diverse forms of the English language that develop in various global contexts.
• 🔍 The term 'World Englishes' was introduced by Indian-American linguist Braj Kachru to describe the global variations of English.
• 📊 The three concentric circles model explains the distribution and use of English worldwide: the Inner Circle, Outer Circle, and Expanding Circle.
• 🏠 The Inner Circle includes countries where English is a native language, such as the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
• 🌍 The Outer Circle comprises countries where English is a second language, often due to colonial history, like the Philippines, India, and Singapore.
• 🌏 The Expanding Circle consists of countries where English is a foreign language, used as a lingua franca, such as China, Japan, and South American countries.
• 🏛 Postcolonial English varieties, like Philippine English, are influenced by both indigenous and Western cultures.
• 📚 Philippine English, as an example, has a rich vocabulary with uniquely Filipino words and phrases, reflecting the country's cultural diversity.
• 📝 Lexical innovation in Philippine English is facilitated by its contact with other languages and the borrowing of terms.
• 📖 English in the Philippines is primarily acquired as a second or third language, alongside local vernaculars.
• 👍 The legitimacy of Philippine English and other World Englishes is recognized through their distinct grammatical, lexical, and syntactic features.

Q & A

What is the term 'World Englishes' used to describe?

The term 'World Englishes' refers to the variations in the English language that arise as it is used in different social and linguistic contexts around the world.

What do scholars of World Englishes analyze in different varieties of English?

Scholars analyze the history, background, function, and influence of the different varieties of English used in various social linguistic contexts.

Who introduced the term 'World Englishes' and in what context?

The term 'World Englishes' was introduced by the Indian-American linguist Braj Kachru at a Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) conference.

What is the three concentric circles model of Englishes proposed by Braj Kachru?

The three concentric circles model includes the Inner Circle with English as a native language (ENL) countries, the Outer Circle with English as a second language (ESL) countries, and the Expanding Circle with English as a foreign language (EFL) countries.

Which countries belong to the Inner Circle of Englishes?

The Inner Circle consists of countries where English is spoken as a native language, such as the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

What is the role of English in the Outer Circle countries?

In the Outer Circle countries, English is used as a colonial language for government purposes and is spoken as a second language.

How is English used in the Expanding Circle countries?

In the Expanding Circle countries, English is used as a foreign language or lingua franca, serving as a common language between speakers of different native languages.

Why do some countries in the Outer and Expanding Circles have varieties of English referred to as postcolonial?

These countries have been colonized by Inner Circle countries, and their varieties of English reflect the influence of the colonizers.

Can you provide an example of a unique term in Philippine English?

An example of a unique term in Philippine English is 'ballot', which refers to a carton box shipped from another country by a Filipino living overseas, typically containing clothes, household products, and food.

How is English primarily acquired in the Philippines?

Filipinos primarily acquire English as a second or even third language alongside local vernaculars, influenced by constant contact with other languages.

What is the significance of the term 'World Englishes' in understanding global linguistic diversity?

The term 'World Englishes' highlights the legitimacy and unique grammatical, lexical, and syntactic features of different English varieties that have emerged in various global contexts.