INTRODUCTION TO GLOBAL ENGLISHES

  English has become a truly global language, used by people all around the globe as a means of communication. It has evolved to become a lingua franca, a common language that connects people of different linguistic and cultural backgrounds.

     The concept of a lingua franca is crucial in understanding the role of Global Englishes as an intercultural communication system. Whether one is communicating in English as a foreign language (EFL) or English as a second language (ESL), the important thing is that English serves as a contact language. However, there are differing opinions about the advantages and disadvantages of a global language like English.  

   The rise of Global Englishes has challenged the traditional view of English as a standardized language with fixed rules and conventions. Instead, it recognizes the diversity and fluidity of the language, and the need to adapt to different contexts and speakers. This understanding is crucial for effective communication and intercultural understanding in today's globalized world. 

    Despite its widespread use, it is important to remember that most English conversations around the world are between people who have learned it as a second language, and that English is constantly evolving as a language of international communication.

WHO SPEAKS ENGLISH TODAY?

    As the English language continues to permeate every corner of the globe, an ever-growing number of individuals are embracing it as their means of communication. Consequently, the need for a classification system to group together those who speak this language has emerged, reflecting the diverse range of contexts, cultures, and linguistic backgrounds of its speakers.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ENL, ESL, EFL AND ELF

''interaction between the circles''

  A native language (ENL) is the language that a person has acquired as their first language through exposure to it in childhood within their family or country. It is also known as a first language (L1).

  A foreign language (EFL) is a language that is taught as a subject in a country where it is not the primary language of the society. This means that the language is not commonly spoken or used in everyday life in that country.

  A second language (ESL) is a language that a person learns in addition to their native language. The person may learn it in school, through exposure to it in their environment, or through formal language learning programs. 

  A lingua franca (ELF) is a language that is used as a common means of communication between people who speak different native languages. It can be a language that is spoken as a first, second, or foreign language by those using it as a lingua franca. English is a widely used lingua franca in many parts of the world.

MODELS AND DESCRIPTIONS OF THE SPREAD OF ENGLISH

  Various models and descriptions exist to explain the spread of English, including the colonial, linguistic imperialism, globalization, world Englishes, and English as a lingua franca models. 

  Three concentric circles model: This model, proposed by Braj Kachru, suggests that there are three circles of English use around the world: the Inner Circle, where English is the native language; the Outer Circle, where English is used as a second language for official and institutional purposes; and the Expanding Circle, where English is used as a foreign language for communication with speakers of other languages.

  World Englishes model: This model emphasizes the diversity of English varieties and their use around the world. It suggests that English is a global language with a variety of different forms and functions, reflecting the

cultural, social, and linguistic contexts in which it is used.

  English as a lingua franca model: This model focuses on the use of English as a common means of communication between speakers of different languages. It recognizes that English is used as a lingua franca in many contexts and proposes that it is a tool for intercultural communication rather than a property of a particular language community.

  Colonial model: This model explains the spread of English as a result of British colonialism, where English was imposed on colonized people as a means of social, economic, and political control.

WHY ENGLISH IS A GLOBAL LANGUAGE?

   English is considered a global language due to the historical, political, economic, and cultural influence of the British Empire and the United States, as well as its widespread use in fields such as business, education, science, technology, and entertainment.

WHAT IS A GLOBAL LANGUAGE?

  A global language is a language that is spoken and used as a means of communication between people from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds around the world, typically for business, education, and cultural exchange purposes. Examples of global languages include English, Spanish, French, Mandarin, and Arabic.  

WHAT MAKES A GLOBAL LANGUAGE?

   A language can be considered a global language if it is widely used as a means of communication between people from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds around the world, typically for business, education, and cultural exchange purposes, and if it has some degree of official or semi-official status in multiple countries or regions. Factors that contribute to a language becoming a global language include historical, political and cultural influence, as well as widespread use in fields such as business, education, science and entertainment.

WHY DO WE NEED A GLOBAL LANGUAGE?

    A global language facilitates communication and understanding between people from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds around the world, which is essential for international business, education, science, technology, and cultural exchange. A common language also promotes unity and cooperation among nations and helps to overcome barriers of prejudice and misunderstanding. Moreover, having a global language can enhance individuals' employment prospects and career opportunities in various industries and fields.

''English language is taking over the planet''

WHAT ARE THE DANGERS OF A GLOBAL LANGUAGE?

While having a global language can have many advantages, such as facilitating communication and promoting cultural exchange, there are also some potential dangers associated with it. One of the main risks is the loss of linguistic and cultural diversity, as people may shift away from their native languages and cultures in favor of the global language. This could lead to the extinction of certain languages and dialects, as well as the erasure of cultural traditions and practices.