Introduction
Apparently, the ancient legacy of the building of Babel is finally overcome: the English language has reached a spread all over the world unprecedented in history. People coming from such diverse backgrounds as Europe, America or Africa are now linked by one language: English. When following statistical numbers that estimate the total number of English speakers to exceed 1bn, it is not surprising that English is now agreed to be the lingua franca (cf. McArthur 2001: 1). On the surface, this achievement might be regarded as the fulfilment of a long aspired goal: the dream of universal intelligibility. Yet it brings with it certain conflicts and complications: English, now having reached cultures totally different from those that belong to the up to now accepted standards of English, was thus challenged to become an appropriate means for speakers to communicate within contexts the English language never was used in before. As a result, speakers from countries such as India, Kenya or Nigeria have moulded the English language and have adapted it to their own individual context - a development that might be a hindrance to the vision of English as a ‘link language’ worldwide. Unfortunately, it is not long ago that many of these New Englishes were considered to be provincial, backward and incorrect (cf. Görlach 1995: 11). Such judgemental views of the issue neither pay attention to the concept of interference the speakers’ first language has on English in these countries nor to the deviations motivated by acculturation. In the course of this paper the concepts of interference and acculturation as well as the issue of a universal understandable English are to be investigated in terms of one particular variety: Indian English. The study is structured as follows: Firstly, light will be shed on the different backgrounds an English speaker might come from. In order to introduce into the variety of Indian English as a next step, it will give an overview of how English gained roots in India. In addition to that, some of the most productive processes of adapting the English language to India will be illustrated. Finally, a discussion of some of the most important ideas of an ‘International English’ intends to touch on the problem of worldwide intelligibility in connection with the many Englishes. For reasons such as the colonial past of India comparisons of Indian English to any standard variety of English will be reduced to the British standard...
Table of Contents
- I. Introduction
- II. ENL, ESL and EFL varieties of English- a terminology
- 2.1 ENL
- 2.2 ESL
- 2.3 EFL
- III. Development of the non-native variety 'Indian English'
- IV. The Indianization of the English language in India
- 4.1 Acculturation and interference
- 4.2 Deviations on the lexical level
- 4.2.1 Research
- 4.3 Types of lexical innovations
- 4.3.1 Single item transfer
- 4.3.2 Hybridised items
- 4.3.3 Translations
- 4.3.4 Shifts
- 4.3.5 Indian English collocations
- V. The 'Indianess' of IE - a natural outcome of acculturation
- VI. A common core as a world standard?
- VII. Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper investigates the development and characteristics of Indian English as a variety of English as a second language (ESL). The main objective is to explore the interplay between interference from native Indian languages and acculturation processes in shaping the unique features of Indian English. The paper also considers the implications of this variety for the concept of a universally intelligible standard English. * The categorization of English language varieties (ENL, ESL, EFL). * The historical development of English in India and its subsequent adaptation. * The influence of native Indian languages on the lexicon and grammar of Indian English. * The processes of acculturation and interference in shaping Indian English. * The implications of Indian English for the concept of a global standard English.Chapter Summaries
I. Introduction: This introductory chapter establishes the context for the study by highlighting the global spread of English and the resulting diversity of English language varieties. It introduces the challenges and complexities associated with the emergence of New Englishes, such as Indian English, and their potential impact on the ideal of a universally intelligible "link language." The chapter positions Indian English within this broader context, emphasizing the need to understand the role of interference and acculturation in its development. It then outlines the structure of the paper, previewing the topics to be discussed. The focus is on introducing the complexity of the linguistic landscape surrounding the rise of Indian English within a global context. II. ENL, ESL and EFL varieties of English- a terminology: This chapter provides a clear definition and distinction between three major categories of English language use: English as a Native Language (ENL), English as a Second Language (ESL), and English as a Foreign Language (EFL). It delineates the key characteristics of each category, including geographical distribution, functional uses, and acquisition processes. The chapter highlights the limitations and potential biases inherent in such categorical classifications, acknowledging the fluidity and overlap that exist in real-world language use. It serves as a foundational chapter for understanding the unique position of Indian English as an ESL variety. III. Development of the non-native variety 'Indian English': This chapter delves into the historical development of English in India, tracing its origins back to the colonial period. It examines the various sociolinguistic factors that contributed to the emergence of Indian English as a distinct variety, including the interplay between the colonial language and the diverse indigenous languages of India. This chapter provides the historical backdrop necessary to understand the processes of language change and adaptation that shaped Indian English. The chapter sets the stage for further investigation into the specific linguistic features that characterize Indian English. IV. The Indianization of the English language in India: This chapter focuses on the specific ways in which the English language has been adapted and modified in India. It explores the concepts of acculturation and interference, examining how these processes have influenced the lexicon, grammar, and usage of Indian English. Detailed examples of lexical innovations, such as single-item transfers, hybridized items, and translations, are examined, illustrating the creative adaptations made by Indian English speakers. This chapter's detailed analysis seeks to explain the mechanics of language adaptation and the creative linguistic solutions used by speakers of Indian English. V. The 'Indianess' of IE - a natural outcome of acculturation: This chapter analyzes the unique features of Indian English, arguing that they are a natural consequence of acculturation processes. It examines the ways in which Indian culture and society have shaped the language, showcasing how Indian English maintains its unique linguistic identity. The analysis emphasizes the natural adaptation of the language to the Indian context. This chapter connects the observed features of Indian English to the broader sociocultural factors driving its evolution. VI. A common core as a world standard?: This chapter addresses the debate surrounding the existence of a common core of English and its implications for worldwide intelligibility. It examines the challenges and possibilities of establishing a universally accepted standard, taking into account the diverse range of English varieties. The chapter discusses the tension between maintaining intelligibility and respecting the diversity of English. It considers the need for a balance between standardization and the acceptance of linguistic variation.Keywords
Indian English, ESL, ENL, EFL, World Englishes, Acculturation, Interference, Lexical Innovation, Linguistic Variation, Language Contact, Standard English, Intelligibility, Code-switching.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview of Indian English
What is the overall focus of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive overview of Indian English, exploring its development, characteristics, and implications for the concept of a global standard English. It examines the interplay between native Indian languages and acculturation processes in shaping the unique features of this variety.
What are the main categories of English discussed, and how are they defined?
The document distinguishes between English as a Native Language (ENL), English as a Second Language (ESL), and English as a Foreign Language (EFL). It defines each category based on geographical distribution, functional uses, and acquisition processes, acknowledging the fluidity and overlap that can exist in real-world language use.
How does this document categorize and describe Indian English?
Indian English is categorized as an ESL variety. The document traces its historical development from the colonial period, examining the sociolinguistic factors that contributed to its emergence as a distinct variety. It focuses on the influence of native Indian languages on its lexicon and grammar, and the role of acculturation and interference in shaping its unique features.
What specific linguistic features of Indian English are analyzed?
The analysis delves into lexical innovations, including single-item transfers, hybridized items, translations, and shifts. It examines how these innovations reflect the adaptation of English to the Indian context and the creative linguistic solutions employed by Indian English speakers.
What is the significance of acculturation and interference in the development of Indian English?
The document argues that the unique features of Indian English are a natural outcome of acculturation processes, whereby Indian culture and society have shaped the language. It emphasizes the interplay between acculturation and interference from native Indian languages in shaping the lexicon and grammar of Indian English.
What is the document's stance on a common core of English as a world standard?
The document addresses the debate surrounding a common core of English and its implications for worldwide intelligibility. It examines the challenges and possibilities of establishing a universally accepted standard while acknowledging the diverse range of English varieties and the tension between maintaining intelligibility and respecting linguistic variation.
What are the key chapters and their respective focuses?
The document includes chapters on the introduction and overview; defining ENL, ESL, and EFL; the historical development of Indian English; the Indianization of English in India (including detailed lexical analysis); the 'Indianess' of Indian English as a natural outcome of acculturation; the debate on a common core as a world standard; and a concluding chapter. Each chapter builds upon the previous one to provide a comprehensive understanding of the topic.
What are the key terms used throughout the document?
Key terms include Indian English, ESL, ENL, EFL, World Englishes, Acculturation, Interference, Lexical Innovation, Linguistic Variation, Language Contact, Standard English, and Intelligibility.
What is the intended audience for this document?
The document is intended for academic use, enabling the analysis of themes in a structured and professional manner. It is geared towards researchers, students, and anyone interested in the complexities of World Englishes and the development of Indian English.
- Citar trabajo
- Stefanie Bock (Autor), 2003, Indian English as an ESL-variety: common core and interference, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/51407
