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Global English

The Linguist David Graddol (2006) stated that, for the first time in human society, a single language is used as the world's connecting language.1 We're sure it won't take too many guesses to figure out which language - that's right, it's English. English has become the world's leading lingua franca, for reasons we'll cover shortly, and is now spoken, taught, read, and written worldwide; but which variety of English is used? A simple answer to a not-so-simple question could be "Global English."

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Global English

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The Linguist David Graddol (2006) stated that, for the first time in human society, a single language is used as the world's connecting language.1 We're sure it won't take too many guesses to figure out which language - that's right, it's English. English has become the world's leading lingua franca, for reasons we'll cover shortly, and is now spoken, taught, read, and written worldwide; but which variety of English is used? A simple answer to a not-so-simple question could be "Global English."

Lingua franca - A common language used between people who do not share the same first language. For example, a German man and a Chinese woman may communicate in English.

Global English Meaning

You may have already figured out that Global English is a variety of English.

It's best to think of English as a plural language (Englishes), i.e., different varieties of English are spoken in different locations around the world. Whereas varieties such as British English and American English can be associated with a particular place, Global English is spoken, you guessed it, globally.

Let's look at a succinct definition of Global English:

Global English - A simplified, logical, and literal variety of English that contains no slang or colloquialisms unique to a geographical place.

It's important to note that there is no set definition, rules, or even term for Global English. Throughout your studies, you'll likely encounter several synonyms such as International English, World English, English as a Lingua Franca, and more.

Before we go any further, let's address the term "Global Englishes." Whereas "Global English" describes a simplified variety of English, "Global Englishes" is an umbrella term introduced by Jenkins (2014)2 and Galloway & Rose (2015)3 as a way of encompassing everything to do with English as a global language.

That's not to say they were the first to consider the use of English as a global language - far from it - and much of what we know today about the use of English worldwide stems from the work on World Englishes by the Indian linguist Bajru Kachru (1985)4. That brings us nicely to our next section: the history of Global English.

The History of Global English

You're probably aware by now that the English language has undergone some significant changes throughout its lifespan. So far, we've seen Old English, Middle English, and Modern English, and several linguists (such as Kachru and Graddol) have suggested that we're entering a fourth wave - Global English.

The global spread of English began in the 14th century due to British settlements and the transatlantic slave trade. From the 14th to 18th century, English was taken to what Kachru (1985)4 refers to as the inner circle, which comprises North America, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.

British colonial expansion in the 19th century saw English continuing to spread to almost a quarter of the world, to places such as India, Malaysia, Nigeria, Kenya, and Egypt - to name only a few. Kachru called these countries the outer circle.

From the 20th century onwards, English has continued to spread around the world due to factors such as the technological revolution, globalization, the internet, and the cultural dominance of the United States and the United Kingdom. Kachru named these remaining countries the expanding circle.

Today, there are thousands of different varieties and dialects of English worldwide.

Although Kachru's Three concentric circles model has been highly influential in the study of World Englishes, it has been critiqued for being overly simplistic and too geographically bound. Consider how this may be an issue in an increasingly globalized world.

Globish

In the 1990s, a French linguist named Jean-Paul Nerrière noticed how Japanese and Korean speakers at a business conference communicated with each other more effectively in English compared to when they were talking to native English speakers. He surmised this was because they were both speaking a simplified variety of English rather than one interlocutor speaking as a native.

Interlocutor - A participant in a conversation.

By 2004, Nerrière had come up with the concept of Globish, a portmanteau word combining global with English, as a way of explaining, documenting, and legitimizing the simplified use of English on an international level5. Today, Globish isn't a term used that often, but the concept has arguably been and remains influential in the field of Global English and Global Englishes.

Although not everyone agrees with the concept of Global English, some researchers have argued it is simply 'incorrect English' (we'll cover this more shortly); there are now several academic journals, corpora, and even English language textbooks all based on Global English.

Corpus (plural. Corpora) - A database of 'real-world' vocabulary and terms used in a particular variety of a language.

Features of Global English

As we mentioned, there are no set-in-stone rules for global English; however, there are a few common features.

  • Removal of idioms and colloquialisms - These are usually geographically or culturally specific and untranslatable. For example, the idiom "the apple of my eye" will likely be confusing to a non-native English speaker.

  • Removal of phrasal verbs - Phrasal verbs typically comprise a verb and a preposition, such as put up and take off. Phrasal verbs can be difficult for non-native English speakers for two reasons. Firstly, the meaning of the phrase is typically different from the meaning of the individual words. Secondly, many phrasal verbs can hold multiple meanings, e.g., "The plane is ready to take off." compared to "She wanted to take off the jacket."

  • Simple syntax - Global English favors a more consistent and more straightforward use of syntax, such as all sentences (when possible) following a Subject Verb Object structure.

  • Active, not passive voice - Using the active voice can help keep the syntax of a sentence simple. For example, "He kicked the ball" compared to "The ball was kicked by him."

  • Use of simple sentences - Global English favors simple or compound sentences instead of complex or compound-complex sentences.
  • Be direct - Avoid using hedging language, such as "I don't suppose you would mind..."
  • Be aware of different terminology - Some vocabulary words differ between different English varieties, e.g., petrol (British English) and gasoline (American English). Consider which term is likely to be more well-known.

Keep in mind that Global English is just like any other language variety and is constantly changing and evolving. Who knows what this list might look like in 10 years' time.

The Importance of Global English

So, we know what Global English is and a little about its history, but why is it important? Arguably, one of the most essential aspects of language is the facilitation of successful communication, and that's exactly what Global English does: it helps us communicate on a global scale.

Imagine you're on vacation in a country where the native language isn't English, and you need to find the bus station. You spot a local resident who might be able to help and speaks a little English, so you ask them for help. How would you talk to them?

Look at the following two examples and decide which option you would choose and why.

1. "Hello there! I appear to be a little lost. Would you mind pointing me in the direction of the bus station?"

2. "Hello, can you help me? I want to go to the bus station. Where is the bus station?"

If you recognize the benefits of using the language exhibited in example 2, you can understand the importance of Global English.

The first example uses hedging language (would you mind), idioms (pointing in the right direction), and complex verbs (appear to be). On the other hand, the second example uses simple sentences, basic modal verbs and vocabulary (can you help?) and repeats the key information (the bus station) twice.

Recognizing the value of Global English is also impacting the teaching and learning of English. Native varieties of English, such as Standard British English and Standard American English, have historically been the 'goalposts' for language learners; however, this may no longer need to be the case.

  • Consider who might benefit from learning Global English over a standard variety, such as British English.
  • When language learners no longer feel the need to sound like native English speakers, what do you think this could do for their confidence and identity formation?
  • Do you think teaching Global English in all educational settings is appropriate?

Global English, Image of Japan, StudySmarterFig 1. Imagine you're in Japan. How would you find the bus station?

Pros and Cons of Global English

Although there is arguably an important place for Global English, it's not without its criticisms. So, let's take a look at some pros and cons.

Pros of Global English Cons of Global English
Facilitates effective communication May negatively impact the standard of English
Removes cultural barriers Can reduce the learning of cultures
Easier to learn and more accessible May threaten the existence of other smaller languages and dialects
Can help more people connect worldwide Removal of idioms may impact the 'fun side' of language
Can legitimize the language use of millions of people Learning Global English won't prepare people for language exams

Can you think of any other considerations?

Global English vs. Standard English

Whereas Global English is a simplified variety of English that can be used internationally, Standard English is a standardized form used in official settings, such as education, publishing, law, and business.

It is a common misconception that there is one Standard English used worldwide. Instead, each country that uses English in an official capacity will have a standardized form. For example, Standard British English, Standard American English, Standard Australian English, Standard Indian English, and so on.

Examples of Global English

Now we know all about Global English, let's take a look at some examples compared to some more native-English-sounding sentences.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you" "Do not do that."

"You're barking up the wrong tree." "You are not looking in the correct place."

"I wouldn't put up with that." "I would not accept that behavior."

"I'm hanging out with pals tonight." "I'm going to spend time with my friends tonight."

"Don't suppose you know where the toilet is." "Where is the toilet, please."

Global English - Key takeaways

  • Global English is a simplified, logical, and literal variety of English that contains no slang or colloquialisms unique to a geographical place.
  • Synonyms for Global English include International English, World English, and English as a lingua franca.
  • The work by B. Kachru on World Englishes is a good place to start learning about the global spread of English.
  • Although there are no set rules for Global English, common features include: simple syntax, removal of idioms and phrasal verbs, use of active over passive voice, being direct, and using simple sentences.
  • Global English can help facilitate successful communication on a global scale.

References

  1. D. Graddol. English Next. 2006.
  2. J. Jenkins. Global Englishes: A resource book for students. 2014.
  3. N. Galloway & H. Rose. Introducing Global Englishes. 2015.
  4. B. Kachru. The English Language in the Outer Circle. 1985.
  5. J. P. Nerrière. Parlez Globish. 2004

Frequently Asked Questions about Global English

Global English is a simplified, logical, and literal variety of English that contains no slang or colloquialisms unique to a geographical place. It is used on a global scale, usually amongst non-native English speakers, to facilitate successful communication.  

Global English is important as it can help facilitate communication on a global scale. It can help to remove cultural barriers and confusion and also give non-native English speakers a sense of pride and identity in the language they speak.

Whereas Global English is a simplified variety of English that can be used internationally, Standard English is a standardized form used in official settings, such as education, publishing, law, and business. 


Global English cannot be accredited to one person. However, key theorists and linguists include B. Kachru, D. Graddol, J. Jenkins, and J.P Nerrière.

English is unique as it is the first language to be used as a worldwide lingua franca (connecting language).

Test your knowledge with multiple choice flashcards

Select the best definition for lingua franca

Global English is an ______ language.

Which two features are typically removed from Global English?

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