The historical development of English as a ‘global’ language：練習題

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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?