Historical Background

Question 1

Migration

Answer 1

-early settlement in America began in the 17th century -Australia was ‘discovered’ in 1770 , leading to British settlement by the 19th century
-colonial expansion took English to India, the Caribbean, Africa and the Far East

Question 2

First diaspora of English

Answer 2

-the language spread from the British Isles to USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand
-in these countries, English speakers settled in large numbers and established new first language varieties of English (L1)

Question 3

Second diaspora of English

Answer 3

-occurred between late 15th century in West Africa(during slave trade period)
-English speakers dispersed to South Africa and South Asia and imposed their language on non-native speakers
-English was used in communication between local people as well as the English settlers and traders
-English was used as a lingua franca and adopted as an official language- gaining L2 status (second language)