English Language Variations
8 Questions
0 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the primary focus of the essay 'Toasted English'?

  • The differences between Indian and British English
  • The adoption of English by Americans
  • The variation of English language from one country to another (correct)
  • The formalism of English language in the United States

    • What does the author mean by 'toasting' in the essay?

  • Using English in a more informal manner
  • Changing English to make it more formal
  • The process of changing English to make it more practical (correct)
  • Adopting British English in the United States

    • How do Americans use the word 'check' according to the essay?

  • In a more widespread manner than the British (correct)
  • Only in the context of inspecting or verifying
  • As a national expression in the United Kingdom
  • Only in formal definitions

    • What does the author suggest Londoners do with the English language?

    <p>Use it politely</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is unique about the word 'yeah' according to the essay?

    <p>It uses a short base of the tongue when spoken</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of the phrase 'Your check' in the essay?

    <p>It refers to a ticket or token</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the author imply about English language in the essay?

    <p>It has become a commodity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the tone of the essay 'Toasted English'?

    <p>Comical yet serious</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Narayan's Perspective on English Language

    • Narayan explores the variations of English language across countries in a humorous yet serious tone in his essay "Toasted English".
    • He illustrates the differences between American and British English, emphasizing how Americans adopted English and transformed it to suit their needs.

    American Influence on English

    • Americans used English in an informal manner, avoiding passive voice and formalism, and instead used more practical terms.
    • This process of change is referred to as "toasting" English.
    • Examples of "toasted" English include using "Newly Planted, Don't Walk" instead of "Trespassing Prohibited".

    Characteristics of American English

    • Words like "Ok", "Yeah", and "Yes" are commonly used in American English.
    • The word "check" is an example of a national expression in the United States, with broader usage than in British English.
    • "Check" can have multiple meanings, such as investigating, inspecting, or verifying, or referring to a ticket or token.

    Indian Perspective on English

    • Narayan advocates for creating a unique Indian brand of English, similar to "Toasted English", that adjusts to fit Indian requirements and circumstances.
    • He opposes the mingling of English and instead suggests using the same grammatical conventions.
    • The author proposes giving Indian English its own distinct "Swadeshi Stamp" or personality, separate from current English.

    Studying That Suits You

    Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

    Quiz Team

    Description

    Explore Narayan's humorous and serious perspective on the variations of English language across countries, including American and British English differences.

    More Like This

    Use Quizgecko on...
    Browser
    Open
    Browser
    Browser