39 Questions
What term is used to describe the newer varieties of English like Pakistani English, Indian English, and Nigerian English?
New Englishes
Why have countries like Pakistan, India, and Nigeria developed their own varieties of English?
Due to historical colonial influence by Britain or America
What does the term 'New Englishes' refer to in the context of the text?
Varieties of English that have developed in different countries through government administration, education, and media
Which view about the future of English is mentioned in the text as similar to what happened to Latin?
English will become mutually incomprehensible languages
How has English been described in all its varieties according to the text?
As a global language with consolidated importance despite fewer native speakers compared to other languages
What do New Englishes like Pakistani English and Indian English have in common according to the text?
They have developed alongside other local languages and are used for communication.
What is the main characteristic of Standard English?
It is a form of English compared to other varieties
Why does Paul Kerswill avoid defining Standard English?
Because he thinks it is closely related to the perspective of the language user
What does it mean if a variety of English is classified as non-standard?
It is not considered socially acceptable in terms of usage
H.C. Wylde, in 1914, referred to English dialects as 'quaint and eccentric'. What was his attitude towards them?
He considered them unimportant and whimsical
Which variety of English is most commonly learned by non-native speakers?
Standard English
'Standard English is a form of English which has been accepted as the norm...'. What idea does this sentence convey?
'Standard English is compared to other forms to determine its correctness.'
What was the primary reason for the introduction of the English language to South Africa?
By soldiers and administrators
During which century did Afrikaans replace English as the language of the government, administration, police, and armed forces in South Africa?
20th century
Which event was triggered by the South African government's attempt to make Afrikaans a teaching language in schools in 1976?
Soweto Uprising
What is the significance of English in South Africa according to the text?
Language of business and higher education
Which language has had an enormous influence on lexis and syntax in South African English?
Afrikaans
What does 'braai' refer to in South African English?
Barbecue
'Lekker' in South African English is used to describe something as:
'Nice' or 'delicious'
'Ja' is commonly used in South African English, what does it mean?
'Yes'
'Geyser' and 'robot' are examples of words borrowed into South African English from:
British settlers
'Atchar', 'bobotie', and 'sosatie' were introduced into South African English by speakers of which language?
'Tsetse', 'tsotsi', 'kgotla'
What is the relationship between RP and social status?
RP is linked to social status due to the attitude of English speakers.
How did RP establish itself as the prestige accent?
Through being the only accent heard on British television and radio.
What is the main reason why regional accents have become more acceptable?
Because people travel widely and experience different accents.
What process is described when a new distinctive variety of a language with native speakers emerges?
Creolisation
In which century did RP emerge in British public schools?
19th century
Why is Received Pronunciation (RP) often associated with status?
Because it was historically spoken by influential members of society.
Why did RP spread quickly in Britain when the BBC was formed?
Because it was adopted by the British Broadcasting Corporation.
English as a world language is marked by distinctive varieties, some of which have emerged more recently than the longer-established British and American Englishes. These newer varieties are often labelled ______, examples of which include Pakistani English, Indian English and Nigerian English.
New Englishes
English exists alongside other local languages and is the common medium for communication (i.e. the lingua franca). Importantly, each ______ of New English has developed its own lexis, pronunciation and syntax.
variety
English, in all its ______, appears to have consolidated its position as a global language even though there are more native speakers of Mandarin Chinese and Spanish.
varieties
The many varieties of English raise questions about its future. Some hold the view that English will split into mutually incomprehensible languages, as happened to ______, with the many ______-based languages of today.
Latin
The opposing view is that English is now cemented as the ______ that people wish to learn and to speak in order to fully participate in the global communication infrastructure of the 21st century.
language
New Englishes can also be known as new ______ of English (NVEs). 'New Englishes' is a term first coined by Platt, Weber and Ho to describe ______ of English which have developed in different countries through government administration, education and media, rather than from native language speakers.
varieties
In these areas, English exists alongside other local languages and is the common medium for communication (i.e. the ______).
lingua franca
English, in all its ______, appears to have consolidated its position as a global language even though there are more native speakers of Mandarin Chinese and Spanish.
varieties
The many ______ of English raise questions about its future. Some hold the view that English will split into mutually incomprehensible languages, as happened to ______, with the many Latin-based languages of today.
varieties, Latin
The opposing view is that English is now cemented as the ______ that people wish to learn and to speak in order to fully participate in the global communication infrastructure of the 21st century.
language
Study Notes
- Standard English is a form of English accepted as the norm, originated in the UK, followed the accepted constructions of the language, and is perceived as the variety spoken by educated people.
- Non-standard English refers to any variety that is not standard English and is related to regional dialects with non-socially acceptable forms of grammar, syntax, and lexis.
- Attitudes towards non-standard English have changed significantly since the early 20th century, but earlier beliefs led to the notion of a prestige form of English and the perception of non-standard dialects as inferior.
- Received Pronunciation (RP) is the accent most closely associated with Standard English and emerged in British public schools during the 19th century. It is seen as an indicator of status and was widely adopted by the BBC until the 1960s.
- English is spoken throughout the world in a variety of ways, with elements of local languages merging to create new varieties, known as creolization.
- South African English (SAE) is the dialect spoken by South Africans, with separate English varieties spoken in Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Namibia. It dates from the arrival of British settlers in the late 18th century.
- Afrikaans, a language that emerged from Dutch, coexisted with English throughout the 20th century, with Afrikaans replacing English as the language of the government and becoming closely associated with the apartheid regime.
- English remained influential in business and higher education in South Africa and was used by liberation movements to communicate with the outside world.
- SAE reflects the influence of African languages in lexis and speech intonation, with many words borrowed from Afrikaans and African languages.
- New Englishes, or new varieties of English, have emerged in countries that have been exposed to colonial influence and continue to develop to suit the circumstances of their societies. Examples include Pakistani English, Indian English, and Nigerian English.
Explore the history and characteristics of South African English, a unique dialect influenced by English and Afrikaans cultures in South Africa. Learn about the development of English in the region since the arrival of the British in 1795.
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