ENG506 Midterm Handouts Notes by Sir Zahid

ENG506 SHORT HANDOUTS · MIDTERM · Lesson 01 to 05 · (ENG506) World Englishes · Lesson-01 · English as a Global Language · Topic-001: Introduction to the Course Learning Theories

What is the main focus of this course?

Answer: The course provides an overview of World Englishes, discussing its development and concept as a global language, along with its advantages and potential risks.

What are the goals of this course?

Answer: The goals of this course include understanding globalization and the need for a global language, exploring the relationship between language and identity, and gaining insights into different types of English.

What are the different contexts that contributed to English becoming a lingua franca?

Answer: Various political, social, and historical contexts, as well as technological advancements, led to English becoming a widely spoken global language.

What is the primary focus and content of this course?

Answer: This course offers a comprehensive overview of World Englishes, delving into their development and conceptualization as a global linguistic phenomenon. It explores both the advantages of English's global dominance and the potential risks it poses to minor languages. Furthermore, the course examines the historical, political, and social contexts that have propelled English to its status as a worldwide lingua franca.

What are the main objectives of this course?

Answer: The primary objectives of this course are threefold:

• To foster a deep understanding of concepts like globalization and the necessity of a global language.
• To elucidate the intricate connection between language and identity, particularly in light of the overpowering influence of a global language on lesser-known languages.
• To provide students with a holistic grasp of English's various roles, ranging from native and second language usage to its status as an international and foreign language, while also considering the factors impacting each role.

Topic-002: What is a Global Language?

How does a language achieve global status?

Answer: A language becomes global when it holds a special role recognized internationally, not solely based on mother tongue status or speaker numbers.

What determines the global status of a language?

Answer: The global status of a language is determined by the identities of its speakers, their numbers, geographic distribution, and its use in international organizations and diplomacy.

What characterizes a global language?

Answer: A global language is spoken and learned internationally, has widespread use in various countries, and is used for communication beyond native speakers.

How can a language attain the status of being a global language?

Answer: The status of a global language is attained through its recognition as having a special role that is acknowledged internationally. This recognition goes beyond the language's native speaker count or its prevalence. Instead, it hinges on the identity of its speakers, the widespread geographic distribution of its usage, and its integration into international diplomacy and organizations.

Define a global language and discuss its characteristics.

Answer: A global language is one that is learned and spoken across international boundaries, serving as a means of communication for speakers beyond just its native speakers. Its characteristics include:

• A diverse range of speakers across various countries.
• Its usage not limited to mother tongue status.
• Widespread utilization in international organizations and diplomacy.
• The capacity to bridge communication gaps among diverse linguistic communities.

Topic-003: The Need for a Global Language

Why is a common global language necessary?

Answer: A common global language, or lingua franca, is needed to facilitate effective communication among linguistically diverse communities, overcoming the limitations of translation.

What is a lingua franca?

Answer: A lingua franca is a language adopted as a common means of communication between people with different native languages.

What are some needs for a global language in different domains?

Answer: A global language is essential for international forums (e.g., UN), scientific collaboration, and international business.

Why is the concept of a common global language important?

Answer: The need for a common global language arises from the historical practice of communication between linguistically diverse communities through translators and interpreters. Such practices, though essential, were constrained by limitations in capturing the nuanced emotions and subtleties of communication. A lingua franca, or common global language, addresses this issue by providing a common