world englishes
Specialized (C1-C2)Academic/Linguistics, Educational
Definition
Meaning
The concept that English exists in many distinct, legitimate varieties around the world, each with its own norms, rather than a single 'correct' standard.
An area of linguistic study that examines the global diversity of English, its historical development in different regions, and the sociolinguistic status of its various localized forms, challenging the traditional dominance of British and American standards.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term is plural ('Englishes') by design, emphasizing diversity. It is often contrasted with 'English as a Lingua Franca' (ELF), which focuses on communication between speakers of different first languages. The field examines issues of power, identity, ownership, and standardization.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in the core concept. Both academic communities use the term similarly, though some British publications may historically favor the singular 'English' in a global context, while the plural form is now standard in international linguistics.
Connotations
Neutral and descriptive in both varieties, associated with modern, post-colonial, and sociolinguistic scholarship.
Frequency
Equally common in relevant academic and educational discourse in both the UK and US. Rarely encountered in general conversation.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[to study/analyse/examine] World EnglishesWorld Englishes [develop/emerge/coexist][research/theory/class] in/on World EnglishesVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A family of Englishes”
- “The Englishes of the world”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Might be used in international corporate training about communication styles across regions.
Academic
Primary context. Found in linguistics, sociolinguistics, education, and cultural studies journals, textbooks, and course titles.
Everyday
Virtually never used. The concept would be explained descriptively (e.g., 'different kinds of English').
Technical
The defining context. Used by linguists, language policymakers, and educators specializing in global English.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Linguists now routinely **World-Englishes** their curriculum, incorporating Singaporean and Nigerian texts.
- (Note: Extremely rare as a verb, shown for creative demonstration)
American English
- The professor encouraged us to **World Englishes** our perspective, moving beyond just US and UK norms.
adverb
British English
- (Not used adverbially)
American English
- (Not used adverbially)
adjective
British English
- She takes a **World Englishes** approach to her teaching materials.
- The **World-Englishes** paradigm has transformed linguistics.
American English
- He is a leading **World Englishes** scholar.
- This is a key text in **World Englishes** research.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- People speak English in many countries.
- English is different in London and New York.
- 'World Englishes' is the idea that there are many kinds of English, like Indian English or Australian English.
- My teacher said we should learn about different World Englishes.
- The study of World Englishes examines how local cultures influence the grammar and vocabulary of English in places like Jamaica or the Philippines.
- Debates about 'correct' English often ignore the principles of World Englishes, which validate local norms.
- Kachru's model of World Englishes categorizes varieties into Inner, Outer, and Expanding Circles, reflecting their historical development and functional range.
- Postcolonial literature often consciously employs features of a local World English to assert cultural identity and challenge linguistic hegemony.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a globe with many different flags; each flag represents a distinct 'English' (like Nigerian English, Singaporean English). The plural 'Englishes' on the globe reminds you it's about multiple, legitimate varieties.
Conceptual Metaphor
ENGLISH IS A TREE (with many branches), ENGLISH IS A FAMILY (with many members), ENGLISH IS A ECOSYSTEM (with diverse species).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating as 'мировой английский' (singular) – the plural concept is lost. Use 'мировые варианты английского языка' or 'разновидности английского языка в мире'.
- Do not confuse with 'Английский как международный язык' (English as an International Language), which is a related but different concept.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a singular noun (e.g., 'World English is interesting'). The plural 'Englishes' is crucial.
- Confusing it with 'Bad English' or 'broken English'. World Englishes refers to established, rule-governed varieties, not learner errors.
- Capitalizing inconsistently – it is often treated as a proper noun in academic writing.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best illustrates the concept of 'World Englishes'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. World Englishes refers to established, systematic, and rule-governed varieties of English that have developed in specific regions (e.g., Indian English, Singaporean English). They are not learner errors but legitimate linguistic systems.
World Englishes focuses on the description of specific, named regional varieties (like Kenyan English). ELF focuses on the communicative strategies used in interactions between speakers from different first-language backgrounds, where the goal is mutual intelligibility rather than adherence to a native-speaker norm.
For intermediate and advanced learners, exposure to different World Englishes can build linguistic awareness, intercultural competence, and a more inclusive view of the language. It helps learners understand the global reality of English and prepares them for diverse communication contexts.
Braj Kachru (who proposed the influential 'Three Circles' model), David Crystal, Jennifer Jenkins, Andy Kirkpatrick, and Edgar Schneider (with his 'Dynamic Model' of the evolution of Postcolonial Englishes) are central figures.