Summary
Highlights
The term 'World Englishes' refers to the diverse varieties of the English language that emerge as it is used in different global contexts. Scholars analyze the history, background, function, and influence of these varieties. The development of a new English variety is generally a process of adaptation, where a group of speakers modifies existing English features to suit their social context.
The Indian-American linguist Braj Kachru introduced the concept of 'World Englishes' and proposed the three concentric circles model to categorize different varieties of English. The Inner Circle includes countries where English is the native language (e.g., US, UK), the Outer Circle comprises countries where English is a second language often used for official purposes (e.g., Philippines, India), and the Expanding Circle consists of countries where English is a foreign language or lingua franca (e.g., China, Japan).
Varieties of English spoken in countries colonized by Inner Circle nations are often referred to as postcolonial Englishes. Philippine English is presented as an example, showcasing its unique vocabulary influenced by indigenous and Western cultures. Examples include 'balot box' (a cargo box sent from overseas), 'sari-sari store' (a small neighborhood shop), and 'manipeddy' (a blend of manicure and pedicure).
Like other varieties, Philippine English is legitimate, possessing its own grammatical, lexical, and syntactic features due to its constant contact with other languages, leading to lexical innovation. The video concludes by recapping the definition of World Englishes and Kachru's three-circle model.