9093: A-Level English, Paper 4 (Learner Guide)

Summary

This video discusses the discursive writing style required for Paper 4, focusing on analyzing two contrasting topics. It covers the concept of language hybridization, such as Spanglish and Singlish, and the ethical considerations of English as a global language, including cultural imperialism and its impact on linguistic diversity. The video also touches on the historical spread of English through colonialism and technological advancements, and highlights the importance of understanding relevant linguistic theories and social identity in language.

Takeaways

• 📚 Paper 4 requires a discursive style of writing, which is neutral and unbiased, exploring multiple perspectives and analyzing viewpoints before reaching a conclusion.
• 🌐 Section A focuses on the varieties of English spoken around the world, such as Singlish and Spanglish, which are hybrids combining elements from different languages.
• 🔠 Hybrid languages can emerge from the mixing of linguistic elements within a single language, leading to new dialects or simplified languages like Creoles and pigeons.
• 🌏 Cultural imperialism in language can lead to the domination of one culture over another, often through political, economic, or cultural power, affecting linguistic and cultural diversity.
• 📈 The spread of English has been facilitated by colonialism and technological advancements, making it a prominent language in international communication, trade, diplomacy, and scientific research.
• 🌐 The development of English as a global language has been controversial, with critics arguing that it contributes to the loss of linguistic and cultural diversity and perpetuates linguistic imperialism.
• 👨‍🏫 Influential theories and theorists relevant to the topic include Kachru's three Circle model, Phillips' focus on linguistic imperialism, and Crystal's extensive work on the history and development of English.
• 🗣️ Section B discusses speech communities, prestige dialects, social identity, gender-lect variation, standard and non-standard features, and the importance of speech sounds and accents in forming personal identity.
• 📚 Ethical considerations of English in the world include cultural imperialism, equality of opportunity, and global cooperation, which should be explored through articles and reports.
• 🔍 To prepare for the exam, students should be confident in their understanding of the theories, be able to spell theorists' names accurately, and apply these theories in their writing to demonstrate their knowledge.

Q & A

What is the main focus of Paper 4 in the context of the video?

Paper 4 requires a discursive style of writing where students discuss two given topics that are quite different from each other, maintaining a neutral and unbiased tone throughout the text.

What is the definition of a discursive style of writing?

A discursive style of writing maintains a neutral and unbiased tone, explores multiple perspectives, weighs different arguments, analyzes various viewpoints, and concludes with an overall assessment.

What are some examples of varieties of English spoken around the world mentioned in the video?

Examples of English varieties mentioned include Singlish and Spanglish, which are known as hybrids.

What does the term 'hybrid' refer to in the context of language?

In the context of language, a 'hybrid' refers to a word, phrase, or sentence that combines elements from two or more languages or language varieties.

How does the video describe Spanglish as a hybrid language?

Spanglish is described as a hybrid language that combines elements of Spanish and English, often resulting in code-switching between the two languages within a single sentence.

What are some of the effects of cultural imperialism in language?

Cultural imperialism in language can lead to the loss of linguistic and cultural diversity, marginalization of minority communities, erosion of local cultural creations, and the spread of stereotypes and cultural biases.

How did colonialism contribute to the spread of English as a global language?

During the era of colonialism, English was spread to various parts of the world through British colonial expansion, becoming the official language in many colonies and gaining prominence as a means of communication.

What role did technological advancements play in the spread of English?

Technological advancements in transportation and communication facilitated the spread of English, as travel and trade between countries became easier, and the need for a common language for international communication grew.

What are some of the criticisms regarding the development of English as a global language?

Critics argue that the spread of English has contributed to the loss of linguistic and cultural diversity, particularly in regions where it has displaced local languages, and perpetuates a form of linguistic and cultural imperialism.

Who are some of the theorists and their theories relevant to the topic discussed in the video?

Influential theorists include Braj Kachru with his Three Circles model of World Englishes, Robert Phillips who focuses on the political and economic implications of English, and David Crystal who has written extensively on the history and development of English as a global language.

What are some key concepts related to language and social identity discussed in the video for Section B?

Key concepts include speech communities, prestige dialects, social act, gender-lect, variation, standard and non-standard features, inclusion and exclusion, speech sounds, and accents.

Outlines

00:00

📚 Understanding Discursive Writing and English Varieties

This paragraph introduces the concept of discursive writing, which is characterized by a neutral and unbiased tone, exploring multiple perspectives, weighing arguments, and analyzing viewpoints before reaching a conclusion. It emphasizes the need for students to understand the varieties of English spoken globally, such as Singlish and Spanglish, which are referred to as hybrids. Hybrids are defined as combinations of elements from two or more languages, potentially leading to new hybrid languages or dialects. The paragraph also touches on the concept of cultural imperialism in language, which involves the domination of one culture over another through various means, leading to negative effects such as loss of linguistic and cultural diversity and marginalization of minority communities. It suggests researching articles on the topic to gain a deeper understanding of these issues.

05:01

🌐 The Global Impact of English and Theories of Language

The second paragraph delves into the global development of English, highlighting its spread through colonialism and technological advancements, which led to its prominence as a language for international trade, diplomacy, and scientific research. The advent of the internet and digital communication further solidified English's status as a dominant global language. However, this spread has been controversial, with critics arguing it contributes to a loss of linguistic and cultural diversity and perpetuates linguistic and cultural imperialism. The paragraph also introduces several influential theories and theorists relevant to the topic, such as Braj Kachru's Three Circles model of World Englishes, Robert Phillips's focus on the political and economic implications of English, and David Crystal's extensive work on the history and development of the English language. It concludes with an emphasis on understanding language and social identity, including concepts like speech communities, prestige dialects, social act, gender-lect variation, standard and non-standard features, inclusion and exclusion, and speech sounds and accents, which are crucial for writing fluently in Section B.

Keywords

💡Discursive style of writing

The discursive style of writing is characterized by a neutral and unbiased tone, where the writer explores multiple perspectives, weighs different arguments, and analyzes various viewpoints before reaching a conclusion or providing an overall assessment. This style is central to the video's theme of discussing the different styles of writing required for Paper 4, as it encourages a comprehensive understanding of the topics at hand, as illustrated by the script's emphasis on maintaining neutrality and exploring diverse viewpoints.

💡Hybrid languages

Hybrid languages, also known as hybrid varieties, are languages that combine elements from two or more different languages or language varieties. In the context of the video, the script mentions 'Singlish' and 'Spanglish' as examples of such hybrids, which are formed through the mixing of linguistic elements, often resulting in code-switching between the languages involved. This concept is integral to the discussion of global English varieties and their impact on linguistic diversity.

💡Cultural imperialism

Cultural imperialism refers to the domination of one culture, often through language, over another, typically facilitated by political, economic, or cultural power. The script explains that this can manifest in various ways, such as the imposition of a dominant language as the official language in a country or the spread of media from a dominant culture. This concept is crucial to understanding the ethical considerations of English as a global language and its impact on minority languages and cultures.

💡Colonialism

Colonialism is the policy or practice of acquiring full or partial control over another country, area, or people, often for economic or territorial gain. In the script, colonialism is discussed as a historical factor that contributed to the spread of English around the world, particularly through British colonial expansion, which led to English becoming the official language in many colonies and gaining prominence as a means of communication.

💡Technological development

Technological development refers to the advancement in technology that can influence various aspects of society, including communication and language spread. The video script mentions how technological advancements in transportation and communication facilitated the spread of English, making it the language of international trade, diplomacy, and scientific research. The rise of the internet and digital communication further accelerated this spread, making English a dominant language in online platforms.

💡Linguistic imperialism

Linguistic imperialism is the idea that the spread of a dominant language can lead to the subjugation or marginalization of other languages and cultures. The script cites Robert Phillips, who argues that the spread of English is driven by linguistic imperialism and perpetuates cultural domination by English-speaking countries. This concept is key to understanding the criticisms of English as a global language.

💡David Crystal

David Crystal is a linguist mentioned in the script for his extensive work on the history and development of the English language, as well as its role as a global language. His insights into the social and linguistic factors contributing to the development of different English varieties provide a theoretical framework for understanding the diversity of English around the world.

💡Speech communities

A speech community is a group of people who share a set of norms and conventions for using language, which can include pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar. In the context of the video, the script discusses various aspects of speech communities, such as prestige dialects, social acts, and gender-lect, which are all part of the features of speech that contribute to social identity.

💡Prestige dialect

A prestige dialect is a variety of language that is considered to have a higher status within a community, often associated with social prestige, education, or power. The script touches on this concept as part of the features of speech that make up our identity, suggesting that individuals may adopt or aspire to use a prestige dialect to convey a certain social status.

💡Gender-lect

Gender-lect refers to the linguistic differences between the way men and women speak within a language or speech community. The script mentions gender-lect as one of the features of speech that contribute to social identity, indicating that language use can be influenced by gender and can reflect societal norms and expectations.

💡Inclusion and exclusion

Inclusion and exclusion in the context of language refer to the social dynamics of who is allowed to participate in a speech community and whose language use is recognized or marginalized. The script implies that these concepts are relevant to understanding the impact of language on social identity and the power dynamics within speech communities.

Highlights

Discussing Paper 4 requires a different writing style from Paper 3.

In Paper 4, you are asked to discuss two different topics.

Adopt a discursive style of writing in Paper 4.

Discursive style maintains a neutral and unbiased tone.

This style explores multiple perspectives and weighs different arguments.

For Section A, know about varieties of English spoken around the world.

These varieties are also known as hybrids.

Hybrids combine elements from two or more languages or language varieties.

Spanglish is a hybrid language combining Spanish and English.

English Singlish is a hybrid combining Chinese and English.

Hybridization can occur within a single language, like Creoles and pigeons.

Cultural imperialism in language refers to the domination of one language and culture over another.

Cultural imperialism can lead to loss of linguistic and cultural diversity.

English spread globally due to colonialism and technological development.

British colonial expansion spread English to many colonies.

Technological advancements facilitated the spread of English.

Critics argue that the spread of English contributes to the loss of linguistic and cultural diversity.

Theories and theorists relevant to the topic should be accurately spelled and explained.

Bright Khatron's three Circle model categorizes English-speaking countries.

Robert Phillips focuses on the political and economic implications of English as a global language.

David Crystal has written extensively on the history and development of English.

In-depth knowledge about language and social identity is crucial for Section B.

Speech communities, prestige dialects, and social act are features of speech that make up our identity.

Transcripts

okay

hello everyone in this video we are

discussing paper 4 that requires a

different style of writing from that

paper three

in paper 4 you're now being asked to

discuss two given topics which in turn

are quite different from each other

make sure that you adopt this cursive

style of writing here

what is discursive style of writing

let me tell you briefly discuss a style

maintains a neutral and unbiased tone

throughout the text

in this style the water explores

multiple perspectives weighs different

arguments and analyzes various

viewpoints before arriving at a

conclusion or providing an overall

assessment

for section A make sure you know about

some of the varieties of English spoken

around the world

these might be English Singlish

Spanglish but many more that have Arisen

in the relatively recent past

they're also known as hybrids

thank you

in the context of language hybrid can

refer to a word phrase or sentence that

combines elements from two or more

languages or language varieties

this mixing of linguistic elements can

result in a new hybrid language or

dialect

for example Spanglish is a hybrid

language that combines elements of

Spanish and English often resulting in

code switching between the two languages

within a single sentential phrase

similarly each English is a hybrid

language that combines elements of

Chinese and English

you must remember that hybridization can

also occur within a single language such

as in the case of Creoles and pigeons

which are formed when two or more

languages come into contact and combine

to create a new simplified language with

its own unique grammar and vocabulary

so that you are fully confident about

the ethical considerations of English in

the world find articles from the

internet and newspaper which give

reports on the topic

such reports may contain information

about cultural imperialism equality of

opportunity or Global cooperation

here let me explain what is cultural

imperialism

cultural imperialism in language refers

to the domination of one language and

culture over another life another

through political economic or cultural

power

it can manifest in various ways in

language

for example it can occur through the

imposition of a dominant language as the

official language in a country the use

of one language as a language of

international trade all the spread of

media and entertainment produced by a

dominant culture that results in the

adoption of that culture's language and

values by others

this can have a number of negative

effects on minority languages and

cultures

it can lead to the loss of linguistic

and cultural diversity the

marginalization of minority communities

and the erosion of local cultural

creations

it can also result in the spread of

stereotypes and cultural biases as well

as a loss of linguistic and cultural

heritage

make sure you have knowledge and

understanding of the ways that English

in the world has developed due to

colonialism or technological development

over time

let me explain briefly during the era of

colonialism English was spread to

various parts of the world through

British colonial expansion

English became the official language in

many colonies including India parts of

Africa and Southeast Asia

as a result English was adopted as a

second language by many people in these

regions and it gradually gained

prominence as a means of communication

between different linguistic and ethnic

groups

furthermore the spread of English was

also facilitated by technological

advancements in transportation and

communication

as travel and trade between countries

became easier the need for a common

language for International Communication

grew

English became the language of

international trade diplomacy and

scientific research

the rise of internet and digital

communication further accelerated the

spread of English making it a dominant

language in online communication media

and entertainment

however it's important to note that the

development of English as a global

language has not been without

controversy

critics argue that the spread of English

has contributed to the laws of

linguistic and cultural diversity

particularly in regions where it has

displaced local languages

they also argue that it perpetuates a

form of linguistic and cultural

imperialism where English-speaking

countries and cultures are seen as

Superior dwellers

be clear about which theories and

theorists are relevant to the topic

making sure you can spell all names

accurately

it's not enough just to mention names in

your paper The Examiner will be looking

for short explanations which support the

points you are making that way you will

show that you are applying theories

confidently

here are a few influential theories

first one is bright khatron who is known

for his three Circle model of world

englishes

which categorizes English-speaking

countries and regions into three circles

based on the historical and social

linguistic factors that have influenced

the spread and development of English

second is Robert Phillips whose work

focuses on the political and economic

implications of English as a global

language

he argues that a spread of English is

driven by linguistic imperialism and

perpetuates a form of cultural

Domination by English-speaking countries

then comes David Crystal who is a

linguist

he has written extensively in the

history and development of English

language as well as its current role as

a global language

he has also written about the social

linguistic factors that contribute to

the development of different varieties

of English

there are many such names that you can

quote in your response

finally make sure you have in-depth

knowledge about language and social

identity so that you can write fluently

in section B about speech communities

Prestige idolat dialect social act

gender-lect variation standard and

non-standard features inclusion and

exclusion speech sounds and accents

these are the features of your speech

that make up our identity

some of these we use on purpose because

we have learned to do so some of them

come naturally to us

try to identify these features in

yourself and others around you

now you're all set for your exam all the

best from my side