6 Questions
What were the two main factors that contributed to the dominant status of the English language in the world?
Export of the language and growth of population in the United States
What are 'English communities'?
Environments where learners do all their activities in English
What is one way in which new English speakers are changing the English language?
Creating new compounds and derivatives
Which country played a significant role in promoting English by building English immersion schools?
United States
What is 'Singlish'?
A blend of English, Malay, and Mandarin
How are most people around the world learning English as a second language?
By immersing themselves in all-English environments
Study Notes
English as a Global Language
- English is the mother tongue in all continents of the world, making it a global language.
- The dominant status of English is attributed to two main factors: its exportation and population growth.
Exportation of English
- English was first exported in the 17th century with the settlement in North America.
- This led to the establishment of English as a dominant language.
Population Growth in the United States
- The massive immigration in the 19th and 20th centuries contributed to the significant growth of the population in the United States.
- This growth further solidified English as a dominant language.
Learning English as a Second Language
- Today, many people worldwide are learning English as a second language.
- The way people learn English is changing, with innovative methods such as English immersion schools.
English Immersion Schools
- English immersion schools create an all-English environment for learners.
- In these schools, learners engage in all academic subjects and daily activities in English, such as ordering food at the canteen.
Evolution of English
- The increasing number of new English speakers is changing the language.
- There are hundreds of English types, including 'Singlish' (a mix of English, Malay, Mandarin, etc.) and 'Hinglish' (a mix of English and Hindi).
- New words are being invented daily due to the incorporation of words from other languages and the creation of compounds and derivatives.
Explore the reasons behind the global dominance of the English language, including its establishment as a mother tongue on all continents and the historical factors contributing to its widespread use. Learn about the impact of English settlements in North America and the influence of massive immigration on the language's growth in the United States.
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