Scribd
Upload
6 views

World Englishes

Uploaded by

aziarajoydiaz24
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
6 views

World Englishes

Uploaded by

aziarajoydiaz24
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 19

World Englishes

and Registers
Varieties of English
• Geographical Variation in English. It refers to the varieties of
spoken English language, this includes dialects and
accents. While accent is the variation in pronunciation
associated with a particular geographical region, Dialect is a
particular form of language which is peculiar to a specific
region or social group.
The most influential model of the
spread of English is Braj Kachru's
model of World Englishes. In this
model the diffusion of English is
captured in terms of three
Concentric Circles of the language:
The Inner Circle, the Outer Circle,
and the Expanding Circle.
THE INNER CIRCLE
• The Inner Circle refers to English as it originally took shape and was
spread across the world in the first diaspora. In this transplantation of
English, speakers from England carried the language to Australia, New
Zealand, and North America. The Inner Circle thus represents the
traditional historical and sociolinguistic bases of English in regions where
it is now used as a primary language: the United Kingdom, the United
States, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, anglophone Canada, and
South Africa, and some of the Caribbean territories. English is the
native language or mother tongue of most people in these countries. The
total number of English speakers in the inner circle is as high as 380
million, of whom some 120 million are outside the United States.
THE OUTER CIRCLE
The Outer Circle of English was produced by the second diaspora of English,
which spread the language through imperial expansion by Great Britain in Asia
and Africa. In these regions, English is not the native tongue, but serves as a
useful lingua franca between ethnic and language groups. Higher education, the
legislature and judiciary, national commerce and so on may all be carried out
predominantly in English. This circle includes India, Nigeria, Bangladesh, Pakistan
, Malaysia, Tanzania, Kenya, non-Anglophone South Africa, the Philippines
(colonized by the US) and others. The total number of English speakers in the
outer circle is estimated to range from 150 million to 300 million. Singapore, while
in the Outer Circle, may be drifting into the Inner Circle as English becomes more
often used as a home language, much as Ireland did earlier. Countries where
most people speak an English-based creole and retain standard English for official
purposes, such as Jamaica and Papua New Guinea, are also in the Outer Circle.
This circle includes India, Nigeria, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Malaysia, Tanzania,
Kenya, non-Anglophone South Africa, the Philippines (colonized by the US)
and others. The total number of English speakers in the outer circle is
estimated to range from 150 million to 300 million. Singapore, while in the
Outer Circle, may be drifting into the Inner Circle as English becomes more
often used as a home language, much as Ireland did earlier. Countries where
most people speak an English-based creole and retain standard English for
official purposes, such as Jamaica and Papua New Guinea, are also in the
Outer Circle.
THE EXPANDING CIRCLE
Finally, the Expanding Circle encompasses countries where
English plays no historical or governmental role, but where
it is nevertheless widely used as a medium of international
communication. This includes much of the rest of the
world's population not categorized above, including
territories such as China, Nepal, Russia, Japan, non-
Anglophone Europe (especially the Netherlands and
Nordic countries), South Korea, and Egypt. The total in this
expanding circle is the most difficult to estimate, especially
because English may be employed for specific, limited
purposes, usually in a business context. The estimates of
these users range from 100 million to one billion.
In linguistics, the register is defined as the way a
speaker uses language differently in different
circumstances. Think about the words you
choose, your tone of voice, even your body
language. You probably behave very differently
chatting with a friend than you would at a formal
dinner party or during a job interview. These
variations in formality, also called stylistic
variation, are known as registers in linguistics.
They are determined by such factors as social
occasion, context, purpose, and audience.
Generally, each level has an appropriate use
that is determined by differing situations. It
would certainly be inappropriate to use
language and vocabulary reserve for a boyfriend
or girlfriend when speaking in the classroom.
Thus the appropriate language register depends
upon the audience (who), the topic (what),
purpose (why) and location (where).

You must control the use of language registers in


order to enjoy success in every aspect and
situation you encounter.
Consider the following examples:

“How’s school, sweetie?” Who could have said


the utterance?

“How are things going, Mr. Leyson!” What could


be the relationship of the speaker to Mr. Leyson?

“Job well done, Ms. Diaz!” Where is the


conversation likely taking place?
Registers are used in all forms of
communication, including written, spoken, and
signed. Depending on grammar, syntax, and
tone, the register may be extremely rigid or very
intimate. You don't even need to use an actual
word to communicate effectively. A huff of
exasperation during a debate or a grin while
signing "hello" speaks volumes.
Types of Linguistic Register

1. Frozen:
This form is sometimes called the static register because
it refers to historic language or communication that is
intended to remain unchanged, like a constitution or
prayer. Examples: The Bible, the United States
Constitution, the Bhagavad Gita, "Romeo and Juliet."
* A language that rarely or never changes.
* Words to a song
* Poetry
* Prayer
* Laws
* Preamble
2. Formal:

Less rigid but still constrained, the formal register is used


in professional, academic, or legal settings where
communication is expected to be respectful,
uninterrupted, and restrained. Slang is never used, and
contractions are rare. Examples: a TED talk, a business
presentation, the Encyclopedia.
* One-way communication * News
* Complete sentences * Editorial
Articles
* Essays * Lecture
* Academic paper * Speech
* Announcements
3. Consultative:

People use this register often in conversation when they're


speaking with someone who has specialized knowledge or
who is offering advice. Tone is often respectful (use of
courtesy titles) but may be more casual if the relationship
is longstanding or friendly (a family doctor.) Slang is
sometimes used, people may pause or interrupt one
another. Examples: the local TV news broadcast, an
annual physical, a service provider like a plumber.
* Two-way communication used in conversation
* No past experience with the person.
* Strangers who interact
* Adults at work
* Teachers with students
* A client talking with a lawyer
* A patient talking to the doctor
4. Casual:

This is the register people use when they're with friends,


close acquaintances and co-workers, and family. It's
probably the one you think of when you consider how you
talk with other people, often in a group setting. Use of
slang, contractions, and vernacular grammar is all
common, and people may also use expletives or off-color
language in some settings. Examples: a birthday party, a
backyard barbecue.

* Language used by friends.


* With past experience with the person.
* “Hi, Jessa! Long-time no see!”
* “I like your hair!”
5. Intimate:

Linguists say this register is reserved for special


occasions, usually between only two people and often in
private. Intimate language may be something as simple as
an inside joke between two college friends or a word
whispered in a lover's ear.
* The language shared between couples, twins, and very
close friends.
* The language of sexual harassment.
* Speakers finish each other’s sentences.
* “I feel like biting your lips.”
* “Hi, sweetie!”
Thank
you for
listening!

You might also like