1.09 Questions

1. What is the history of the English language after WWII

After WWII, United States emerged as an economic and military superpower and American English gained worldwide influence, gradually overtaking the British English, which was dominating before WIII.

2. What is meant by ESL, EFL, ESP?

ESL is English people learn in addition to their mother tongue so they can take part in the life of country in which they live. An example might be Spanish-speaking Mexican Americans in the US.

EFL is English learned by individuals that have no daily contact with the language. Many adult Chinese are, for example, today learning English as a foreign language.

ESP is English for special purposes and it is usually designed to give people some specific English skills in, for example, trades, business or other professions.

3. Do you think that international English enriches the cultures of the world, or does it drain them of their uniqueness?

English has a huge influence for the all cultures in the world. By English, we are able to communicate with foreigners, so that can enrich our culture a lot. Also, we are allowed to discover some history of the world and other cultures where the language is incomprehensible for the other, with the help of English. In the other hand, English substitutes many native words at some languages and that makes that the language disappears. In addition, the new technologies make that the language gets new English words, which can be unknown for elders.

4. Explain the terms inner - outer - expanding circle.

In the “Inner Circle” we will find countries where English is the first or the dominant language. These countries are Australia, Britain, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, and the United States.

In the “Outer Circle” we will find nations where English is spoken as a second language. In this circle are included countries such as India, South Africa, Singapore, Philippines or Bangladesh.

In 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. We will find it in nations such as Russia, China, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea or Zimbabwe.

5. Why is it necessary to have standard forms of English?

It is necessary to have them because if the world will use English in the way that not native speakers use it (for example; “She look very good” instead “She looks very good”), so the other people that are  studying English will do it bad and the structure of language may be destroyed.  

6. Which forms of English does David Crystal believe we will have in the future?

He believes that in the future people will have three forms of English; one they speak locally as their dialect, a notional variety for education and business, and then a standard international English for communicating with foreigners.

7. English has become important in six different fields - which?

English is important in fields such as:

- International education

- International businesses and trade

- International diplomacy

- Art and entertainment

- Science and technology

- Digital communications