Global English Theorists

Question 1

What was Kachru’s Circle of English Model/Theory? When was the theory created?

Answer 1

It was created in 1992
It implies a hierarchy of the english varieties.
It was later revised to make more overlapping circles rather than concentric circles

Question 2

What was Schneider’s model/Theory?
When was it created?

Answer 2

It was created in 2007
It considers how a new variety of English develops and how post-colonial varieties of English have evolved.
It also considers a range of other social and political considerations

Question 3

What was Modiano’s theory?
When was the theory?

Answer 3

Invented in 1999
The theory recognises recent developments and identifies overlaps and equality between varieties of English.
Still implies a degree of hierarchy between varieties

Question 4

What was Widdowson’s theory?
When was it?

Answer 4

It was in 2002.
States that native english speakers should have no control over varieties of English developing around the world.

Question 5

What was Ostler’s theory?
When was it?

Answer 5

It was in 2011.
Linked politics and language by suggesting British and American world power wanes English will lose its status as a global lingua franca and instead technology will intervene.

Question 6

What was Saraceni’s theory?
When was it?

Answer 6

It was in 2015.
Argued that English has not spread but has relocated and suggests the de-anglicising of english has cut between Britain and its former colonies.

Question 7

What was Mufwene’s theory, and when was it?

Answer 7

• in 2001
• believes different types of colonies produced English in different ways
• trade colonies developed pidgins
• exploitation colonies saw English develop into higher education
• settlement colonies had no need to import English as settlers already spoke English

Question 8

What was Phillipson’s theory, and when was it?

Answer 8

• English has spread around the world primarily through ethnocentricity and educational policy
• it was in 1992

Question 9

What was Pennycook’s theory, and when was it?

Answer 9

• Ethnocentricity was key in devaluing the local languages of colonised peoples
• It was in 2001

Question 10

What was Beneke’s theory, and when was it?

Answer 10

• The idea that the number of native English speakers will have decreased to 300 mil by 2020
• By 2020, 80% of the worlds English language interactions will be between non-native speakers
• it was in 2008