World Englishes

English is no longer a single, monolithic language owned by its native speakers. It is a global language spoken by an estimated 1.5 billion people, the vast majority of whom are non-native speakers. This lesson examines the concept of World Englishes, the models used to describe the global spread of English, the linguistic features of different varieties, and the debates surrounding linguistic imperialism, language death, and the ownership of English.

Key Definition: World Englishes is the term used to describe the many distinct varieties of English spoken around the world, each with its own phonological, grammatical, and lexical features, shaped by contact with local languages and cultures.

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Kachru's Three Circles Model

Braj Kachru (1985) proposed the most influential model for understanding the global spread of English. He described English as existing in three concentric circles:

The Inner Circle

Countries where English is the primary native language: the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland. These are the traditional "owners" of English — the countries from which English was exported to the rest of the world.