World Englishes - Features and Attitudes Flashcards
What is the assumption of natives where English has been introduced as another language?
They are inferior and are referred to as “savages”:
language = primitive
culture = barbaric
How is English seen in the areas where it has been introduced as another language?
The saviour and is essential for positive development
What is considered of colonialised people?
They have “poor” English
“good” English is only spoken by people from UK/USA/L2 countries
Why is English still used?
Already established as a lingua franca
Strength of USA in politics, economics, entertainment
English use in education
What is a lingua franca?
A language which is adopted between speakers who’s native language is different
How can Englishes differ?
Between all areas of language
How may English differ in pronunciation?
Consonants |θ| (think) and |ð| (them) pronounced differently
Examples of different pronunciations of |θ| and |ð| :
Indian speakers - |t| and |d| Chinese speakers (Hong Kong) - |f| and |d|
What happens to the differences in pronunciations?
They become the norm in the different varieties of English
What are differences in examples of grammar?
No plural markers
No distinction between he and she pronouns
Different syntax
Minimum 3rd person marking (verbs)
Limited past tense
Use of aspect rather than tense
Progressing constructions formed with statives
What are the differences in vocabulary?
Locally coined words by addition of affix
Compounding
Borrowings from indigenous languages
What happens to idioms?
They begin as errors
e.g. to eat your cake and have it
What are differences in discourse style?
They get influence from indigenous cultures
e.g. “so how” as a greeting in Sri Lanka
How do you determine a language as a new variety of Englishes?
It’s spoken as a Native language
Communication target is not native speakers of “older varieties” (British and American)
Used for interactional uses in law, education and government
Developed own characteristics
What are issues of using English as a lingua franca?
“home grown” Englishes are not always understandable
e.g. instances when you’re unable to understand another person from the UK
