INTRODUCTION TO WORLD

ENGLISHES

ASSIGNMENT SUBMITTED BY :
Mareena Sajjad (19)
Ayesha Iftikhar (47)
Noor Fatima (31)
Khadija Bashir (37)
Jahanzaib Riasat

WORLD ENGLISHES STUDY IN

EUROPE

INTRODUCTION
World is field of study that examines the global variations and diversification of English
language. English is one of official language of EUROPEAN UNION, meaning it is used
for many official documentation and meanings .
The idea of “Euro -English as a completely different kind of English. The spread of English
across EUROPEAN culture is a complex process ,one is having a profound impact on
social ,cultural and political life as well as an education at all levels .
In the words of DAVID GRADDOL: “No other region has been more affected by the
rise of English than Europe ”
Basically English is gaining ground at the expense of all other Europe languages.
The FIRST issue involves the inequalities between mainland Europe and UK when it comes
to setting standards for English language teaching because in mainland European ELT is
dependent on British rendition of English language .The vast majority of educational
materials use in mainland Europe are imported from England.
Secondly , there is focus on manner in which English is use in mainland Europe as lingua
franca among non native speakers giving rise to concept of “ Euro -English”.
Lastly , there is examination of rol that English is playing in European union . As English has
been studied as foreign language throughout mainland Europe in nineteen century
Euro-English is an emerging variety of the greater family of World Englishes used by the
speakers in the European Union, whose mother tongue is not English. It belongs to the
Expanding Circle with many idiosyncratic linguistic features that distinguish it from Native
British English.

HISTORY OF EUROPE NGLISH

The breadth and depth of the spread of English throughout Europe today
Belies its comparatively limited influence up to the 20th century. The
Language of the British Isles was little used outside its shores between 1375
And 1550, when the English were prosperous and commercially independent. This does not
mean that England had no contact with the continent during .That time or even earlier.
Although England and France had significant
Points of contact prior to the 12th century, it is in the 17th and 18th centuries
That English gained influence across the English Channel. In fact, it was
Claimed (although not the case) that during the 18th century English was
Almost universally understood in Holland, “kindly entertained as a relation in
The most civilized parts of Germany,” and studied, “tho’ yet little spoke” as a
Learned language in France and Italy .
For France, Britain’s development of economic and political liberalism in
The second half of the 18th century in part played a role in facilitating interest
In the English language. English’s earliest period of significant influence on
Germany began in the mid-17th century and continued into the late-18th
Century. By the 19th century English had gradually spread farther across
Europe to the extent that it had become “esteemed an essential” in Russia
And Scandinavia as well as Germany
In the 20th century English assumed a stronger presence in Europe, and
Not solely due to British influence. The United States’ part in ending the
First World War and its new standing as a world power are attributed to a
Linguistic innovation introduced in 1919 with the Peace Treaty of Versailles.

COLONIZATION
Colonization had a significant impact on English varieties spoken in Europe. When European
countries colonized other parts of the world, they brought their language with them. This led
to changes in English spoken in Europe due to contact with other languages and cultures.
Here’s a simplified explanation of how colonization influenced European English varieties:
Introduction of Loanwords. Colonization brought English into contact with languages
spoken in colonized territories. As a result, English borrowed many words from these
languages. For example, English spoken in Britain adopted words from Indian languages like
“pyjamas” and “bungalow” during the colonization of India.
Changes in Pronunciation and Accent:
English spoken in European countries where colonization occurred may have adopted
different pronunciations and accents influenced by the languages of the colonized territories.
For instance, English spoken in countries like Malta or Cyprus might have unique accents
influenced by local languages.
Grammar and Syntax Influences:
Colonization also affected the grammar and syntax of English varieties in Europe. Contact
with other languages led to the adoption of new grammatical structures and syntax patterns.
For example, English spoken in countries with a history of colonization, such as Ireland or
Malta, may exhibit grammatical features influenced by the local languages.
Cultural Influences:
Colonization brought cultural changes that impacted the English spoken in European
countries. This includes changes in vocabulary related to food, clothing, and daily life. For
instance, English spoken in countries like Portugal, or the Netherlands may have adopted
culinary terms from their former colonies.
Standardization and Language Policy:
Colonization often led to the imposition of a standard variety of English by the colonizing
power. This influenced the way English was taught and used in education and administration
in European colonies. As a result, European English varieties may reflect the influence of
these standard varieties.
Creolization and Hybridization:
In some cases, colonization led to the emergence of new English-based creole languages in
the colonies. These creoles may have influenced the English spoken in European countries
through migration and cultural exchange. For example, Caribbean English creoles might have
influenced the English spoken in the UK due to migration from former colonies.
Literary and Linguistic Influences:
Colonization also impacted literature and language studies in European countries. English
literature from colonized territories contributed to the richness of English literary tradition in
Europe. Additionally, linguists studied the languages of colonized peoples, which influenced
the understanding of language diversity and language contact in European English varieties.

VARIETIES IN EUROPE
English varieties in Europe exhibit diverse linguistic features influenced by historical, social,
and cultural factors. Here’s an overview of some of the major English varieties spoken across
Europe:
British English:
British English is the variety spoken in the United Kingdom and is considered the standard
form of English in Europe. It encompasses various regional accents and dialects, such as
Received Pronunciation (RP), Estuary English, Scottish English, and Welsh English. British
English has had a significant impact on English varieties spoken in other European countries
due to historical ties and cultural influence.
Irish English:
Ireland has its own distinct variety of English influenced by Gaelic languages and historical
interactions with Britain. Irish English features unique vocabulary, grammar, and
pronunciation, including Hiberno-English expressions and intonation patterns.
Scottish English:
Scottish English is spoken in Scotland and is characterized by its own set of linguistic
features, including distinct vocabulary, pronunciation (such as the Scots “r” sound), and
grammatical constructions. Scottish English varies regionally, with differences between urban
and rural areas as well as among different parts of the country.
Maltese English:
Malta, a former British colony, has its own variety of English influenced by Maltese, Italian,
and Arabic. Maltese English features a blend of British English vocabulary and Maltese
syntax, along with borrowings from other languages spoken on the island.
Cyprus English:
English is widely spoken in Cyprus, particularly in urban areas and among younger
generations. Cyprus English exhibits influences from Greek and Turkish, as well as British
English. It includes unique vocabulary and expressions specific to the Cypriot context.
Gibraltarian English:
Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory, has its own variety of English influenced by Spanish
and other languages spoken in the region. Gibraltarian English features a blend of British
English vocabulary and pronunciation with lexical borrowings from Spanish and Andalusian
Arabic.
International Business English:
With the growth of multinational companies and international trade, a form of English known
as International Business English (IBE) has become prevalent in European business contexts.
IBE incorporates standardized vocabulary, grammar, and communication conventions for use
in international business settings.
Educational and Academic English:
English is widely used as a medium of instruction in European universities and academic
institutions. Academic English in Europe follows standard conventions for scholarly writing
and communication, with variations influenced by local academic cultures and language
policies.
Tourist English:
In regions heavily reliant on tourism, such as Mediterranean countries like Spain, Italy, and
Greece, English is often used as a lingua franca for communication with tourists. Tourist
English features simplified vocabulary and grammar structures to facilitate communication
with non-native speakers.

English as a lingua franca in Europe:

Introduction
English as a lingua franca in Europe refers to the use of English as a common llanguage
Communication among speakers of different native languages .
It serves as a bridge language for people from diverse linguistic backgrounds to interact
Understand each other.
The widespread use of English in Europe is a result of historical, political, and economic
factors.
• Historical Context:
The rise of English as a lingua franca in Europe can be traced back to the British Empire’s
global influence in the 19th and 20th centuries.
English became the dominant language in international diplomacy, trade, and culture, leading
to its adoption as a common language in Europe.
The role of English as a lingua franca was further solidified with the emergence of the United
States As a superpower after World War II.
• Linguistic diversity:
Europe is home to a wide variety of languages, with each country having its own official
language or languages.
English as a lingua franca allows Europeans to communicate across borders and linguistic
barriers.
It provides a common platform for business, tourism, education, and cultural exchange in the
region.
• Educational Impact:
The use of English as a lingua franca has led to an emphasis on English language education
in European schools and universities .
Many European countries offer English as a compulsory or optional subject from an early age
to ensure proficiency in the language.
Proficiency in English is seen as a valuable skill for international communication and career
Opportunities in Europe and beyond.
• Challenges and CRITICISM:
The dominance of English as a lingua franca has raised concerns about the preservation of
indigenous languages and cultural identities in Europe.
Some critics argue that the overreliance on English may lead to the marginalization of other
languages and limit linguistic diversity.
There are ongoing debates about finding a balance between promoting English proficiency
and preserving linguistic heritage in Europe.
Lingua franca is likely to remain significant in the region’s linguistic landscape .

Language policy and Multilingualism:

In the field of World Englishes studies in Europe, the interaction between multilingualism
and language policies is a complex and dynamics area of research.
Multilingualism :Europe is a continent known for its linguistic diversity, with many
Countries being multilingual societies where multiple languages are spoken and used in
Various domains of life. In this context, individuals often grow up speaking multiple
Languages, whether as a result of bilingual upbringing, language education, or exposure to
Different linguistic communities. Multilingualism is a key feature of many European
societies
And plays a significant role in shaping linguistic identities and interactions.
Language Policy: European countries have diverse language policies that govern
Issues such as language education, official language status, language rights, and language
Planning. These policies vary widely across countries and can have significant implications
for Multilingualism. Some countries have policies aimed at promoting linguistic . In the
study of World Englishes in Europe, researchers examine how multilingualism . Intersects
with language policies and influences the use and development of English .

LANGUAGE CONTACT AND BORROWING

Language contact and borrowing in the context of World Englishes originating in Europe
often result from historical, cultural, and colonial influences. For example, British English
has been a significant source for many English varieties in Europe due to the British Empire’s
extensive colonial reach. Additionally, the influx of English words and phrases into European
languages reflects globalization, technology, and pop culture influences.
Historical Influences: The spread of English in Europe can be traced back to historical
events such as British colonialism and trade relations. British colonization efforts led to the
establishment of English as a dominant language in various regions, influencing local
languages through contact and borrowing.

Colonial Legacy: Former British colonies in Europe, such as Ireland and Malta, have
adopted English as an official or widely spoken language due to colonial history. This has
resulted in significant language contact and borrowing between English and indigenous
languages.
Lexical Borrowing: European languages often borrow vocabulary from English, particularly
in areas such as technology, business, and popular culture. Loanwords are integrated into the
lexicon, adapting to the phonological and grammatical rules of the borrowing language.
Code-Switching and Hybridization: Multilingual environments in Europe facilitate code-
switching, where speakers alternate between English and their native language within the
same conversation. This leads to the creation of hybrid linguistic forms that blend elements of
English and the local language.
Language Policy and Education: In some European countries, English has gained
prominence in education and business, leading to its widespread use alongside the native
language. Bilingual education programs and policies often promote proficiency in both
English and the indigenous language.
Dialect Variation: Englishes in Europe exhibit dialectal variation influenced by regional
factors, social class, and ethnic diversity. Varieties such as British English, Irish English, and
Scottish English each have distinct phonological, lexical, and grammatical features.
Language Maintenance and Shift: In regions where English has become dominant, such as
urban centres and tourist destinations, there may be pressure for language shift away from the
indigenous language towards English. Language maintenance efforts aim to preserve native
languages and cultural identities amidst linguistic globalization.
Standardization and Variation: Standard English serves as a prestige variety in many
European countries, but local varieties may deviate from standard norms. Variation in
pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar reflects the diverse linguistic landscapes of
European World Englishes.

The future directions in World Englishes in Europe

include:

1. _Increased diversification_: Europe will continue to experience increased linguistic

diversity due to migration, globalization, and the impact of technology.
2. _Emergence of new Englishes_: New varieties of English will emerge in Europe, shaped
by local languages, cultures, and histories.
3. _Language contact and convergence_: English will come into contact with other
languages, leading to language convergence and the development of new linguistic forms.
4. _Multilingualism and language policy_: Europe will need to navigate language policy and
multilingualism, balancing national languages with English and other languages.
5. _Digital Englishes_: The rise of digital communication will shape English language use,
with new forms of expression, communication, and language change.
6. _English as a Lingua Franca (ELF)_: English will continue to serve as a lingua franca,
facilitating international communication and global connection.
7. _Teaching and learning English_: There will be a growing need for effective teaching and
learning methods, materials, and resources to address the diverse language needs of European
learners.
8. _Language and identity_: English will continue to play a complex role in shaping identity,
culture, and nationality in Europe.
9. _Language and globalization_: English will remain a key language of globalization,
influencing economic, political, and cultural relationships within and beyond Europe.
10. _Research and innovation_: Scholarly research and innovation will be crucial to
understanding and addressing the complex language dynamics in Europe.

These directions will shape the future of World Englishes in Europe, presenting opportunities
and challenges for language users, educators, policymakers,
CONCLUSION

World Englishes study in Europe offers a rich and

diverse landscape for exploring the global spread and
local manifestations of English.
• By examining the dynamic interplay between language, culture, and society in European
contexts, scholars contribute to a more nuanced understanding of World Englishes.
• Continued research in this field can deepen our appreciation of linguistic diversity, promote
intercultural dialogue, and foster inclusive language practices in Europe and beyond