Questions and Answers
What is one significant reason for the constant change in the English language?
What term describes the variety of English that speakers from different countries use to communicate?
Which of the following is an example of how new technology impacts the English language?
What linguistic phenomenon occurs when Tagalog and English merge in the Philippines?
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Why are some words considered to be 'disappearing' from the English language?
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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.
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Description
Explore how and why the English language is constantly evolving in today's globalized world. With more non-native speakers than natives, learn about the implications of this linguistic shift and whether it is beneficial or not. This quiz delves into the factors influencing language change.
