Cambridge International A Level · English Language (9093)

The historical development of English as a ‘global’ language: Practice Questions

5 multiple-choice questions marked as you go, and 5 written questions with worked solutions. All on The historical development of English as a ‘global’ language.

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Question 1

1 mark

Which of the following best defines the role of English as a global language in the modern era?

Question 2

1 mark

How did 18th-century prescriptivism influence the historical development of English as it began its global expansion?

Question 3

1 mark

According to Edgar Schneider’s Dynamic Model of the evolution of New Englishes, which phase is defined by the emergence of new local structural features and a shift in identity for both settlers and indigenous groups?

Question 4

1 mark

Which of the following describes the status of English in Outer Circle countries such as India or Malaysia?

Question 5

1 mark

What is a common critique of Robert Phillipson's theory of Linguistic Imperialism in the context of the global spread of English?

Question 6

2 marks

Explain how multilingualism typically functions in countries belonging to the Outer Circle.

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Question 7

4 marks

Explain how political independence in the 20th century for former colonies often reinforced rather than diminished the status of the English language.

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Question 8

5 marks

In the study of the future of English, what is the primary argument against the idea that English will fragment into mutually unintelligible languages?

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Question 9

4 marks

In the historical development of English as a ‘global’ language, many societies entered a state of diglossia due to colonial administration.

a) Define the term diglossia.
b) In a post-colonial society, identify which 'variety' (High or Low) English typically occupies and provide a reason for this based on historical usage.
c) Name one country that exemplifies this linguistic situation.

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Question 10

5 marks

The historical development of English as a ‘global’ language was heavily influenced by specific educational policies in the 19th century.

a) Explain the significance of Thomas Macaulay’s 'Minute on Indian Education' (1835) regarding the status of English in the Outer Circle.
b) How did this policy aim to create a specific 'class of persons' to assist the British Empire?
c) What is a major long-term consequence of these colonial education policies on the current linguistic landscape of such nations?

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