Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary reason David Crystal gives for why countries adapt English when they adopt it as their language?
What is the primary reason David Crystal gives for why countries adapt English when they adopt it as their language?
- To reflect their own cultural identity, circumstances, and needs. (correct)
- To create a sense of linguistic superiority over other English-speaking nations.
- To intentionally deviate from British and American English standards.
- To simplify the language for easier international communication.
According to David Crystal, what does language encompass beyond basic communication?
According to David Crystal, what does language encompass beyond basic communication?
- Just the political and legal jargon specific to a region.
- The culture, people, identity, including aspects like food, myths, and history. (correct)
- Exclusively grammar rules and sentence structure.
- Primarily business and trade terminology.
Around how many countries have adopted English as a significant medium of local communication, according to the text?
Around how many countries have adopted English as a significant medium of local communication, according to the text?
- Around 50 countries.
- Exactly 100 countries.
- Over 70 countries. (correct)
- Around 20 countries.
Approximately how many English speakers were there in England around 1500-1600?
Approximately how many English speakers were there in England around 1500-1600?
In the twenty-first century, what is the approximate ratio of native to non-native English speakers according to the text?
In the twenty-first century, what is the approximate ratio of native to non-native English speakers according to the text?
What is the estimated number of people who speak English as a second or foreign language in the twenty-first century?
What is the estimated number of people who speak English as a second or foreign language in the twenty-first century?
What does the shift in the center of gravity of the English language imply, according to the speakers?
What does the shift in the center of gravity of the English language imply, according to the speakers?
What is meant by 'new Englishes of the world'?
What is meant by 'new Englishes of the world'?
According to David Crystal, how does the adoption of English by a country affect its culture?
According to David Crystal, how does the adoption of English by a country affect its culture?
What is the significance of local words and expressions in the context of global English?
What is the significance of local words and expressions in the context of global English?
Which of the following contributes most to the increasing intensity of diverse forms of English around the world?
Which of the following contributes most to the increasing intensity of diverse forms of English around the world?
What does David Crystal emphasize about the relationship between language and identity?
What does David Crystal emphasize about the relationship between language and identity?
How is the rise of non-native English speakers impacting the English language?
How is the rise of non-native English speakers impacting the English language?
Which of the following best describes David Crystal's view on the adoption of English by various countries?
Which of the following best describes David Crystal's view on the adoption of English by various countries?
What is a key factor in the development of distinct 'local brands of English' in various countries?
What is a key factor in the development of distinct 'local brands of English' in various countries?
What underlying principle does David Crystal highlight when explaining why languages evolve?
What underlying principle does David Crystal highlight when explaining why languages evolve?
How can the rise of multiple 'Englishes' around the world primarily be described?
How can the rise of multiple 'Englishes' around the world primarily be described?
Which aspect of cultural identity does David Crystal emphasize as being particularly intertwined with language?
Which aspect of cultural identity does David Crystal emphasize as being particularly intertwined with language?
How does the increasing prevalence of non-native English speakers correlate with the importance of local dialects and variations?
How does the increasing prevalence of non-native English speakers correlate with the importance of local dialects and variations?
What is the main implication of the increasing number of non-native English speakers for the future of the language?
What is the main implication of the increasing number of non-native English speakers for the future of the language?
Flashcards
Global English Adaptations
Global English Adaptations
English changes as it spreads globally, adapting to local cultures and circumstances, resulting in diverse Englishes.
Language and Identity
Language and Identity
Language expresses culture, identity, and local characteristics including plants, animals, food, history and music.
English as Global Communication
English as Global Communication
The adoption of English in over seventy countries has made it a crucial medium for international communication, with each country developing its own unique style of English.
English Speakers (1600)
English Speakers (1600)
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21st Century English Speakers
21st Century English Speakers
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Non-Native vs. Native Speakers
Non-Native vs. Native Speakers
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Study Notes
- Professor David Crystal notes that the migratory patterns of English give us a range of Englishes.
- This process of English evolving across the globe is increasing in intensity.
- English varieties evolved from British and American English to Australian, South African, Indian, and Caribbean English.
- Now, varieties include Nigerian, Ghanaian, Singaporean English, among others.
- Countries adopting English adapt it to their own circumstances.
- Language is needed to express culture, people, and identity.
- Identity encompasses plants, animals, food, myths, legends, history, politics, folk tales, and music, all needing language.
- Local language and words reflect a particular way of life, differentiating groups.
- English has been adopted by over 70 countries as a medium of local communication.
- These countries have developed their own local brand of English.
- Around 600 years ago, there were about 1,500,000 - 1,600,000 English speakers in England.
- In the early 21st century, there are about 400 million first-language English speakers worldwide.
- Approximately five times as many people speak English as a second or foreign language.
- About two billion people speak English as a first or other language.
- This accounts for about one-third of the world’s population.
- For every one native English speaker, there are four to five non-native speakers of English.
- The center of gravity of the language has shifted.
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