Globalization of English in the Age of the Computer



By


Obododimma Oha


***


English has been traveling, to recall its history. If by traveling it has got to many parts of the world and has also got hold of the Internet, one should not be surprised. This lecture discusses its being global at last and what this implies.

How a language can become global :

(1) Through political imposition  assuming it becomes the language chosen by the ruler and the ruler has global rulership.

(2) Imposition by technology and the technology owner has given that language for the use of the 

devices.

(3) If the language is developed and used in knowledge-dissemination.

Other factors that helped English to be globalized:

(1) Colonization of various parts of the world by native speakers of English.

(2) Warfare and conquest

(3) Trade, religion, cultural exchanges, and research.

(4) Etc

Global  English and Americanization:

American influence in the world has helped English. Sometimes globalization is called Americanization and the latter has English as a companion. Here we need to bring in Braj Kachru's notion of "circles of English." 

Kachru identified three settings of English. The first, where we can locate American English, is the Inner Circle. This circle includes all native speakers of the language, as found in the UK, the US, South Africa, etc. That circle is norm-producing, dictating correctness. The second is called the Outer Circle and contains countries previously colonized by Britain, such as Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, etc. That circle is norm-developing and its English negotiates with indigenous languages in making meaning. The third is the Expanding Circle  and contains countries like China and Japan not colonized by Britain but need English for international commerce, technology, research, etc. That circle is norm-using.

One can contend, therefore, that these circles are transformed by global forces and that Americanized Inner Circle Englishness is invigorated. The fact remains that some in the Outer and Expanding circles would eventually become Inner! It is an interesting geography.

***

There are some important things we have to learn about this globalization of English. These include :

(1) The future of a language is very important. Just as a language could die,  a language could flourish and even extend its reach and use.

(2) Computer technology has facilitated the globalization of English.

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