Podcast
Questions and Answers
What has contributed to the emergence of International English?
What has contributed to the emergence of International English?
- The influence of local languages merging with English
- The decline of native speakers in English-speaking countries
- Globalisation and the need for a common language in international meetings (correct)
- Increased accessibility to English through digital technology
What is the primary language spoken in the Philippines alongside English?
What is the primary language spoken in the Philippines alongside English?
- Spanish
- Cebuano
- Mandarin
- Tagalog (correct)
Which of the following represents a reason for the constant evolution of the English language?
Which of the following represents a reason for the constant evolution of the English language?
- The decreasing number of native speakers
- The simplification of grammatical rules
- The creation of new words through digital technology (correct)
- The merger of local languages with English
What impact does the use of slang have on the English language?
What impact does the use of slang have on the English language?
What is a potential consequence of fewer people speaking local languages?
What is a potential consequence of fewer people speaking local languages?
Study Notes
Overview of English Language Change
- All languages evolve, and English is notably dynamic and global.
- Non-native English speakers outnumber native speakers three to one, with one billion using it as a foreign language compared to 360 million native speakers.
Causes of Change
- Globalisation facilitates communication in international settings, often relying on English as the common language.
- Development of "International English," a variety understood across different cultures.
Regional Variations and Influence
- In countries like Singapore, Hong Kong, and the Philippines, English serves as a second language.
- Taglish, a blend of Tagalog and English, exemplifies language merging in the Philippines.
- Some local languages face extinction as they do not integrate with dominant languages.
Impact of Slang and Technology
- Use of slang in English, such as "innit?" and "like," suggests changing communication methods and challenges traditional definitions of a word.
- New vocabulary emerges with advancements in technology, including nouns like "emoticon," "spam," "blog," and verbs like "google," "photoshop," and "skype."
Vocabulary and Dictionaries
- Ongoing debate about the legitimacy of new words and their inclusion in dictionaries; many words inevitably fade away over time.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Explore the dynamic nature of the English language and its constant evolution. This quiz delves into the reasons behind these changes, particularly in the context of globalization and the rise of non-native speakers. Gain insights into whether these changes are advantageous for communication worldwide.