English Around The World

Question 1

Singlish

Answer 1

Singapore English. English variety spoken in Singapore that is seen as low prestige because it isn’t standard English.
Features: Elided copular ‘be’

Question 2

Global Spread of English

Answer 2

English is the most widely spread language in the world. It is the international lingua franca. The British Empire spread English around the world and it became a 1st language for some and a 2nd language for many.

Question 3

Braj Kachru

Answer 3

Three Circles Model.
Inner Circle (L1) - English as first language, norm provider
Outer Circle (L2) - English as second language, norm developing
Expanding Circle (L3) - Used for business, norm dependent

Question 4

Canadian English

Answer 4

Inner Circle, L1 country. British, American and unique Canadian Features
Spells ‘colour’ with a ‘u’, ‘criticize’ with a ‘z’
The adverbial ‘as well’ at the start of sentences

Question 5

Indian English

Answer 5

Outer Circle, L2 country
Progressive aspect instead of simple present tense:
‘I am knowing this’ vs ‘I know this’
Tag question ‘No’
‘You’re going home, no?’ vs ‘You’re going home, aren’t you?’

Question 6

ELF (English as a Lingua Franca)

Answer 6

Expanding circle, L3 countries
Omission of articles:
‘I am going to office’ vs ‘I am going to the office’
Tag question ‘No’

Question 7

Edgar Schneider

Answer 7

English is introduced to new territories, its norms are established. The country adapts to it and develops its own variety of English as it breaks free from colonial rule. New regional varieties of English are made within the country over time.

Question 8

Attitude to World Englishes

Answer 8

Phillipson - English spreading causes other languages to die
Crystal - English will continue as the global lingua franca
McArthur - English is breaking into many different languages
Ostler - Another language will replace English as the global language