Welcome to the World of International English!
Hello and welcome to the study notes for the "International English" chapter, which falls under the broader topic of Language Variation (3.3.2).
This is one of the most exciting and relevant topics in English Language because it explains how English escaped its origins and became the world's most widespread language.
Why is this important? Understanding International English helps you analyze language data, evaluate theories, and write strong academic arguments about how English functions globally—not just how it sounds in London or New York.
Section 1: What is International English?
1.1 Defining International English (IE)
International English (IE) is an umbrella term used to describe English in all its forms and uses around the globe. It acknowledges that the language is no longer the sole property of its native speakers but is a global asset used for diverse purposes, often without any native speakers involved.
The syllabus requires you to understand two main concepts under this label:
- Established World English (WE): The historical result of colonialism, leading to distinct national varieties (e.g., Indian English, Singapore English).
- English as a Lingua Franca (ELF): The modern functional use of English as a "bridge language" between non-native speakers.
Section 2: Established World Englishes (WE)
When we talk about Established World Englishes, we are looking at how English took root and developed unique characteristics in countries where it was introduced through colonial or administrative rule. These established varieties are often classified using the hugely influential model created by linguist Braj Kachru.
2.1 Kachru's Three Circles Model
This model, developed in the 1980s, is the standard way to map the global spread of English varieties. Think of it like a bullseye target:
2.1.1 The Inner Circle (The NORM PROVIDING Circle)
- Definition: Countries where English is the primary, native language and has been historically spoken.
- Role: These countries traditionally set the standards or "norms" for the language.
- Examples: The UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand.
- Key Point: These are the original "owners" of the language, but this concept is challenged by the existence of the other circles.
2.1.2 The Outer Circle (The NORM DEVELOPING Circle)
- Definition: Countries where English is not the native language for most people, but it serves as an official language for administration, education, or law (a legacy of colonization).
- Role: These varieties are developing their own local norms (lexical, grammatical, phonological features) that differ from the Inner Circle.
- Examples: India, Singapore, Nigeria, Philippines, Ghana.
- Example of Variation: In Indian English, using "prepone" (to move forward, opposite of postpone) is an accepted lexical innovation.
2.1.3 The Expanding Circle (The NORM DEPENDENT/FOLLOWING Circle)
- Definition: Countries where English has no official government role but is widely taught as a foreign language for international communication, business, and technology.
- Role: Users in this circle generally rely on the norms set by the Inner Circle varieties (though they increasingly rely on ELF practices).
- Examples: China, Japan, Brazil, Russia, most of Europe (e.g., Germany, France).
Quick Review: Kachru's Circles
Inner (Native, Norm Setter) -> Outer (Official, New Norms) -> Expanding (Foreign, Follows Norms)
(Memory Trick: I Owe Everyone)
Section 3: English as a Lingua Franca (ELF)
The rise of global travel, the internet, and multinational business means that English is now most often used between people who are not native speakers. This phenomenon is known as English as a Lingua Franca (ELF).
3.1 Defining Lingua Franca and ELF
- Lingua Franca: Any language used habitually by people whose native languages are different to communicate with each other.
- English as a Lingua Franca (ELF): English used specifically as a communication tool between speakers of two different native languages (e.g., a Japanese person and a German person talking in English).
3.2 The Function and Focus of ELF
Unlike World Englishes (WE), which are defined by their geographical location and established norms, ELF is defined purely by its function: getting the message across.
The focus of ELF is on intelligibility (being understood), not on native-speaker accuracy.
3.2.1 Key Characteristics of ELF Users
In ELF contexts, certain grammatical or phonological features of 'standard' English are often dropped or simplified because they are not necessary for mutual understanding.
- Phonology: Native-like pronunciation is often irrelevant. Clear articulation of consonant clusters and vowel distinctions that maintain meaning are prioritized. For example, rolling your 'r's or having a regional accent is fine, as long as the core message is clear.
- Grammar/Syntax:
- Simplification of third-person singular present tense ('s'): "She run fast" instead of "She runs fast."
- Use of 'who' and 'which' interchangeably: "The idea who I told you about."
- Dropping unnecessary articles ('the', 'a'): "He went to school yesterday."
- Lexis/Semantics: ELF users tend to use a smaller, more common vocabulary (a core lexicon) and avoid idioms, slang, or cultural references specific to Inner Circle countries, as these hinder clarity.
Analogy: Think of ELF like the essential language you need to order food or fix a misunderstanding on a global phone call. You stick to the basics that everyone understands, stripping away the complex flourishes of native language use.
3.3 The Shift in Language Power
The rise of ELF highlights a major shift:
The majority of English users today are non-native speakers. This means the norms and variations of English are increasingly dictated by communication effectiveness rather than historical standards (British or American English).
Section 4: The Debate: Ownership and Standardisation
The study of International English is not just about classification; it’s about engaging with key academic debates regarding language status and ownership.
4.1 Who Owns English?
The existence of established World Englishes and ELF challenges the traditional view that the Inner Circle (e.g., the UK or USA) holds ownership of the language and sets its standard.
Argument for Shared Ownership: Because millions of people in the Outer and Expanding Circles have adapted English to express their own cultural identities and conduct their local affairs (WE) or global business (ELF), they effectively own the language in their own domains.
4.2 Standardisation vs. Diversity
Should there be a single, universally accepted form of English (a Global Standard English)? Or should we embrace the diversity and local adaptations?
The Standardisation View (often linked to Inner Circle norms):
- Pros: Ensures maximum intelligibility, simplifies teaching and testing (e.g., IELTS/TOEFL usually test Inner Circle norms).
- Cons: Requires Outer and Expanding Circle users to conform to external norms, potentially suppressing local creativity and identity.
The Diversity/Plurality View (linked to ELF and WE acceptance):
- Pros: Recognises the legitimacy of nativity paradigms (new national norms developed in the Outer Circle). It accepts that if a variety is consistent and understood within its community (e.g., Singapore English in Singapore), it is valid.
- Cons: Could lead to fragmentation, where varieties become so distinct that they eventually lose mutual intelligibility (making global communication harder).
Key Takeaway: The most popular modern linguistic approach accepts Plurality. It views English not as a single entity, but as a family of related varieties, all equally valid when used effectively in their context.
| World Englishes (WE) | English as a Lingua Franca (ELF) |
| Based on: Geography and history (colonial legacy). | Based on: Function and circumstance (bridge language). |
| Users: Native speakers (Inner) or permanent communities who use it officially (Outer). | Users: Non-native speakers communicating with other non-native speakers. |
| Goal: Establishing a local norm (e.g., Indian English grammar). | Goal: Achieving instant mutual intelligibility. |
Did you know? The concept of ELF has led researchers to argue that the 'errors' commonly made by non-native speakers (like dropping the 's' on third-person verbs) are not mistakes, but rather strategic simplifications that actually aid communication efficiency in a global context.
Final Thought
Understanding International English is crucial for analyzing language variation. Remember to use the terminology precisely: Kachru's Circles for classifying established national varieties, and ELF for discussing the functional use of English as a global communication tool between non-natives.
Keep practising applying these concepts to real-world data, and you'll master this topic! Good luck!