Global English P2 Flashcards
Spread of English: What are the main historical reasons for the spread of English?
British colonialism, trade, migration, and American cultural influence.
Spread of English: How does globalisation contribute to English’s dominance?
English is used in international business, technology, and higher education.
Spread of English: Name three factors that have reinforced English’s global use in the modern era.
The internet, Hollywood, and scientific research.
What is a pidgin?
A simplified trade language with no native speakers.
What is a creole?
A fully developed language that evolved from a pidgin.
Give an example of a creole.
Jamaican Creole (Patois).
World English Varieties: What is Singlish?
A variety of English spoken in Singapore with influences from Malay, Tamil, and Chinese.
World English Varieties: Give an example of a Singlish phrase.
“Can lah” (Yes, that’s fine).
World English Varieties: How does American English differ from British English?
Differences in spelling (e.g., color vs. colour), vocabulary (elevator vs. lift), and pronunciation.
What is a prescriptivist view on language?
Language should follow fixed rules, and Standard British English (SBE) is superior.
Give an example of a prescriptivist belief.
Saying “I ain’t got none” is incorrect English.
What is a descriptivist view on language?
Language evolves, and all varieties are valid.
Give an example of a descriptivist argument.
Internet slang (e.g., “gonna”) is part of natural language evolution.
Standard British English (SBE) vs Non-Standard Varieties: What is Standard British English (SBE)?
The formal variety of English used in education, law, and media.
What is a basilect?
The most non-standard variety of a language (e.g., Jamaican Patois).
What is mesolect?
A middle-style of language, between standard and colloquial varieties
What is an acrolect?
The most prestigious form of a language, closest to the standard.
What is a lingua franca?
A common language used for communication between speakers of different native languages.
Why is English considered a global lingua franca?
It is widely used in business, science, travel, and technology.
What is Globish?
A simplified version of English with a limited vocabulary (~1,500 words).
Give one positive and one negative view on English as a global language.
✅ Connects people and provides opportunities.
❌ Threatens minority languages and creates linguistic inequality.
What is a disapora?
The dispersal of people (and their languages) to different parts of the world
