Language Notes
9.1: The Status of English
Lingua franca: A common language used to facilitate communication between different groups of people speaking different languages, often over and above local languages or dialects.
English serves as a lingua franca in many countries.
Half of all newspapers are in English.
of the world's mail is in English.
Multilingualism: When individuals speak more than one language in their daily life.
9.2 Whose English Is It Anyway?
Kachru's Circles model: Classifies the ways English is used globally.
Inner Circle: English as a native language (380 million native speakers) used as a primary language (mother tongue). Examples: America, Britain.
Outer Circle: English as a second language, not native speakers but used as a lingua franca. Examples: Singapore, Nigeria, Malaysia.
Expanding Circle: English used as a medium for specific areas without a government or historical role. Examples: China (Chinglish), Russia (Runglish), Japan (Japlish).
Circle Language Norms
Inner circle: norm-providing, spreads out the norm.
Outer Circle: norm-developing, adopting and developing their own norms.
Expanding Circle: norm-dependent, relies on standards set by the Inner Circle.
Learners of English look at the other Circles for guidance.
9.3 Non-Standard English
Non-standard English: Regional forms of English not considered socially acceptable.
Oxford, Cambridge, and London are origins of Standard English.
RP (Received Pronunciation): accent most closely associated with Standard English.
Standard English is considered regular English.
Creolisation: When two or more distinct languages merge to form a new variety with its own native speakers.
South African English: Similar to other developed English variations, with words derived from Afrikaans.
9.4 British and American English
Diversity can be seen in the differences between British and American English.
Examples of different terms: biscuit, tuxedo, Attorney General, beet, meadow, janitor, jumper, cot, mobile, pacifier, yard sale, candy store, rubbish, phone, freeway, maths elevator, stroller, center, cell phone, primary school.
9.5 Language Dominance and Language Death
Linguistic Imperialism: Imposing one language, usually associated with power and control, upon the speakers of another language.
Language Death: A situation in which there are no remaining native speakers of a language or dialect.
Within 100 years, it is predicted that less than 10% of the 6,000 languages spoken today will still be spoken.
23 languages account for more than of the world's population.
Language Revitalization: Efforts by governmental agencies to ensure that a new generation of children and adults speaks an endangered language and passes it forward.
6% of languages are spoken by 94% of the world's population.
15% of the 7,000 languages spoken in the past have been lost.
Other Related Notes
Lingua Franca & English
Lingua Franca is used internationally and aims to use English for communication.
Verbs are not of primary importance.
English helps with communication.
Stress inhibits language learning.
Lack of awareness can act as a form of communication.
5 Levels of Language Endangerment
Vulnerable: Most children speak the language, but it may be restricted to certain domains (e.g., home).
Definitely Endangered: Children no longer learn the language as their mother tongue at home.
Severely Endangered: The language is spoken by grandparents and older generations; parents may understand but don't teach it to the next generation.
Critically Endangered: The youngest speakers are grandparents and older generations, and they speak it occasionally and infrequently.
Extinct: The language is no longer spoken.
Key Terms
Language Shift: The process where a community of speakers changes over time to speaking a different language.
Killer Language: A dominant language that causes the extinction of other, lesser-used languages.
Anglocentric: Centered on a British view of the world.
Children