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Modelling Global English

English Language: AQA A Level, topic 3.6.10

Kachru’s Concentric Circles Model

Braj Kachru: We must appreciate the variation – one ‘standard’ does not suit the needs of different nationalities.

Kachru’s concentric circles model

Kachru’s concentric circles model

Concentric circles:

Concentric circles:

  • The closer you get to the centre, the more accurate you get to original English.
  • Inner circle – Originals - British and American English.
  • Outer circle – touched by English speakers explicitly (e.g. imperialism).
  • Expanding circle – not touched by anyone.
Kachru’s historical and social reasons:

Kachru’s historical and social reasons:

  • Look at identity of individual versions.
  • Track the spread of English and why it has spread.
  • The spread of the Empire.
Evaluating Kachru’s limitations:

Evaluating Kachru’s limitations:

  • Relies on geography, rather than language use (e.g. schools where English is taught).
  • ‘Grey area’ in-between circles.
  • Doesn’t account for bilingual speakers.
Limitations cont.:

Limitations cont.:

  • Can’t really assess proficiency (e.g. someone who speaks English in India, who is extremely competent in English).
  • The term ‘inner circle’ can be seen to imply superiority (as they are central) - the VIP club – a sense of linguistic superiority (this the biggest problem).

McArthur and Modiano

McArthur’s model:

McArthur’s model:

Main idea

Main idea

  • Main idea: You can group varieties of English based on where they originate from.
  • Group commonalities.
  • All of equal value.
Challenge and significance

Challenge and significance

  • Challenge: Is British English (the origin) not worthy of more fame?
  • Wider significance: All Englishes are equal.
Modiano:

Modiano:

Main idea

Main idea

  • Main idea: Proficient speakers will look to teach English to those who are less able, but others will look to learn from proficient speakers.
  • It does not take into account geographical location.
  • As you learn more English, you move into the middle.
  • Your knowledge spreads out.
  • Recognises spheres of influence.
Challenge and significance

Challenge and significance

  • Challenge: Proficient is a subjective term.
  • Wider significance: Recognises the global changes.

Test yourself on Modelling Global English

  • Who came up with the concentric circles model?

  • Who's language model believes all Englishes are equal?

  • Which language model does not take into account geographical location?

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