The Evolution of English Language

Questions and Answers

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?

Spanish

Cebuano

Mandarin

Tagalog (correct)

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?

<p>It may lead to the acceptance of these terms as legitimate words.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of fewer people speaking local languages?

<p>The risk of those languages becoming endangered.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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.

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.