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ESL articles: What is standard English?
The term English speaker is so broad few people realize the extent of our
language differences across the world. Whilst we all essentially speak one
language there are some variations both in grammar and vocabulary, spelling and
pronunciation.
So does it really matter? Surely in today's world such differences only cause
minor misunderstandings. With the rise of Internet technologies and an ever
growing global economy, does anyone actually speak a pure form of their own
English anymore? Certainly in the future, compromise may be the key. Who knows,
in the future we may well see a world standard of English!
Many English speakers have found Americanisms slowly creeping into their
language, (particularly in British English), causing a hotch potch of styles.
Certainly, English may be the international language of communication - but
which kind?
Indeed, many students don't realise that they actually regularly mix standards
of English. Take a typical essay sentence:
She emerged from the elevator in the computer shop and went to make an inquiry
regarding the despatch of her colour monitor. (American, British, American,
British, British)
He opened the boot and took out the grey garbage bag, and then parked his car in
the lot. (British, British, American, American)
Such a mix of varieties would be enough to make a traditional English teacher's
hair go white, but is it so far from reality?
Which is better?
As a teacher, a favourite question continually asked by my students is "Which is
better American or British English?" My answer is always the same, "It depends!"
These days, we can also add the Australian variety, as where I live in Asia,
learners are exposed to more Australian English than in other parts of the world
and are more likely to study there than in the States or the UK. Although
admittedly the difference between Australian and British English is very small
and mainly vocabulary based.
Certainly in academic terms we would be expected to choose one type of English
over another for consistency, and a school curriculum will favour a particular
standard, whatever that may be.
With so many varieties of English, course book writers and publishers are in
somewhat of a conundrum as there has to be a particular standard of English
which should be followed throughout the book. Consequently, commercially
produced course books from leading ELT publishers often feature both British and
American varieties in the same series. e.g. Headway and American Headway.
So what factors can influence whether foreign learners are better off learning a
particular standard of English? Put simply, excluding any demands that the
curriculum might make, it depends on what is more appropriate; taking into
account their current and future academic, employment or social needs and their
geographical location.
If someone is working for a US owned company or one whose client base is
predominantly American then the company will probably require American English
in its written communication. Similarly if you are studying to be a tour guide
in an area frequented by British tourists, it makes sense to concentrate on that
standard. If a learner is going to study in Australia then familiarising
themselves with Australian English beforehand is going to benefit them in the
long run. Similarly, if someone has a British or American partner, the same
principle applies and if a student comes from a European country like Sweden
they are more likely to be taught British English, due to its close proximity
and economic importance within that region.
Healthy competition amongst language teachers
When I have managed language schools, it was apparent to me that there was often
healthy competition between teachers of different nationalities, regarding the
quality or importance of their particular standard of English. Some of them were
very protective, as each variety has its own special identity. As the renowned
linguist David Crystal states, in his Encyclopaedia of the English Language
(p310), "Each country where English is a first language is aware of its
linguistic identity, and is anxious to preserve it from the influence of others.
New Zealanders don't want to be Australians, Canadians don't want to be
Americans, and Americanism is perceived as a danger signal by usage guardians
everywhere"
Language schools abroad may favour one particular standard of English over
another (usually based on its geography or appropriacy), and therefore
sometimes, understandably, give preference to that particular nationality of
teacher.
Personally though, I like to keep an open mind, as there can also be advantages
for both students and teachers. Students get to be exposed to more varieties of
English, providing them with a more well rounded education and improving their
listening comprehension by exposing them to different global accents. Teachers
are also made aware of the differences in varieties, increasing their own
knowledge base.
Provided teachers teach what is in the course book and do not interfere with the
main objectives of the course, does it really hurt to explain to a student the
differences between rubbish and garbage for example, or that lay-by in Australia
is the equivalent to hire purchase in the UK, when they come across that
particular word in the book?
The Standards of English
It is interesting to note how many regional standards of English there actually
are, if we take into account English spoken as both a first and second language.
1. British and Irish
2. American
3. Canadian
4. Australian, New Zealand & South Pacific
5. Caribbean
6. West, East and South African (Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya,)
7. South Asian (India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh)
8. East Asian (Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, Hong Kong)
Ref: The Circle of World English, p111, Cambridge Encyclopedia of the English
Language, David Crystal (Cambridge University Press 1995)
In conclusion, it is worth noting that when all's said and done, EFL teachers and
linguists will continue to debate on this emotive subject. However, the (minor?)
differences between our varieties of English should be put into perspective; we
all speak the same (but different) language after all!
Sources for this article: A World English p106-109, Cambridge Encyclopedia of
the English Language, David Crystal (Cambridge University Press 1995)
American and British English, p306-310, Cambridge Encyclopedia of the English
Language, David Crystal (Cambridge University Press 1995)
Australian English, p352, Cambridge Encyclopedia of the English Language, David
Crystal (Cambridge University Press 1995)
Gill is an experienced English language teacher having been teaching and
managing language schools for twenty years. She has also run her own TEFL
training courses for new teachers. She is a now a freelance writer and is
currently studying journalism. She has taught in Europe, Thailand and The Middle
East and currently lives in Asia. For more English teaching related articles
please visit her page at
http://www.socyberty.com/writers/GillHart.14604
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gill_Hart
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Comments about this article...
David said...
"I generally point out usage variations, especially for spelling. My shortcut on the whiteboard is to
prefix them with US > and UK >.
Some of the most useful structured speaking practice books available to us come from the USA.
Being Australian, though, most of our material comes from British or Australian sources, ensuring that
spelling is consistent with the local scene. However, many English students here are from South Korea,
where their previous English training has usually been American-based. We've no choice but to address
differences, because perceptive students will be experiencing them even as we study.
One aside: I know "debate" as a verb can be either transitive or intransitive, but don't we normally
omit the preposition when there's an invitation to "debate a subject"?"
Jim said...
"Separated by a common language, clichéd, but true."
Precious Ita said...
"Although people says the British speak the best English, I say as above that other countries,
such as West Africa, Nigeria and other countries speak very good English too. Teachers
teach students and some day students becomes teachers so we all are still learning English that is why
new words come out every day. Thanks."
Philip said...
"The debate as to which version of English to teach is not up for discussion as far as I am concerned.
If you ask your son/daughter whether they would like a new iPod or an "imitation cheap version" the
answer would be honest and swift. The original, would be their reply. Yes, I am of English descent
and proud of it. I have no qualms about other nationalities adopting our language, but it should
not be forgotten where it originated.
History will always tell you that we colonised many countries and as so the English language was
their first language. It seems to me history has been forgotten or ignored. Americans love to be
the superpower and dominant force in everything these days. However, it was the settlers from
yesteryear that sailed from our fair land that gave America their grass roots. The same goes for
Australia too. I will not dwell on history, but let's not forget how the English language became so
widely globalised.
If you say English to someone and ask them what it conjures within their minds, they would say London,
Buckingham Palace, Big Ben etc. Not anything American, Canadian, Australian, Caribbean etc.
I am an English teacher and I teach all that is English, not a version of it but the original and
not a hand me down copy!"
Robert said...
"I really enjoyed the article. Having taught English in Japan, I can understand where your coming from.
The rivalries between the teachers who were protecting their version of English was a great source of
banter! Being from the UK, a popular one was always "Colour has a U in it!!!"
Becky said...
"I teach at a language school in Germany where there is a fair amount of debate as to which is 'better'.
A colleague of mine even went as far as suggesting to his students that they don't use British English at
all, because American English is more global (he said because of Hollywood, American English is seen and
heard more often - a moot point in Germany where everything is dubbed). He also used to correct
their (southern) British pronunciation of words like bath and laugh.
My opinion - the more exposure to different varieties of English, the better. But it should be
focused to the students' needs. If their more likely to do business with the UK or study there (i.e.
most of Europe) then British English should be more stressed."
Pei said...
"Philip's smacks of imperialism! Of course Britain is the source but it doesn't mean that other
standard varieties of English are in any way less worthy. For one thing, the influence of the language
today is due to the American dominance more so than the British, so I would think that American English
should hold equal currency if not more? So should Malaysian English, Indian English and so on."
Matt said...
"I read your comments with amusement. To claim that you teach English in its original form is
somewhat ignorant. Has not the English language evolved over the years? Is it still in its
original form in the UK? If you are teaching foreign students the original form of English they will
not be able to communicate to a vast majority of modern English speakers. Mate, relax a little and
enjoy life. Language is dynamic and will grow and evolve with time and culture.
The name itself reflects it origins. Start to worry if its name is changed to 'American' or 'Australian'."
Phil said...
"Hiberno-English is my mother tongue. I began to teach British English in 1993. I enjoy the
differences between the many forms of the language however, my task as a teacher is to enable my
students use the language in their lives.
Exposure to the various forms can be useful if the student has a good grasp of one form, an
interest in or need for the other forms.The question of accent and pronunciation is also a thorny
one and possibly a more difficult one to resolve.
Philips history lesson is naive and insulting. Look at any English dictionary the influence of other
cultures on the English language is clear. History culture, language and tradition are fluid if
they are static they are dead!"
Volcano as an answer to "imperialist Philip"...
"I teach English in Turkey, I teach my kids both main varieties of English and I think they have the
right to learn this fact. To Philip, I can say, English may be coming from British people, but today
UK version is the one that least resembles all other varieties. Although it originated from the
"Island" it doesn't belong to the Island anymore. Otherwise it couldn't have been a world language.
Actually I am not astonished to hear how "proudly" Philip explained us (as if we don't know") that
once British Empire colonized and exploited all those countries he counted (as they are doing today
together with US in Iraq under a more modern and democratic picture). I am not astonished to hear
it since it just fitted the world-wide-known picture of the British - Snobbish and arrogant."
Irene said...
"Amusing, but Phillip, how far do you want to go back in history? It is a Germanic language, you know... ;-)
Who cares which English somebody speaks, as long as he can make himself understood and that requires
flexibility in language! Dynamic (like Matt said) is the keyword!"
Tim said...
"I have just returned from a teaching post in Moscow which certainly opened my eyes to the English
language. The true British English is as usual being stifled by American Slanguage and pathetic
pronunciation."
Jennifer said...
"As English speakers, we all have our preferences as to which English we teach. To us, the
differences are profound, but we are still able to navigate them. I think exposing students to a
variety of English serves them best. Think about learning a new language yourself; the differences
that a native speaker can easily distinguish are gibberish to you! I recently lived in Japan and
learned standard Japanese from a textbook and a highly educated woman. In class I could speak and
understand, but in the outside world, the language was impossible for me. After bumbling through for
5 1/2 months thinking I would never be able to understand and communicate in Japanese, I took a trip
to a large city. I was SHOCKED that I could understand and use my language training. I thought that
maybe everything had crystalized for me. Four days later I returned home and realized that I was just
as lost as before. I always thought it was me who was the problem, but really, it was the fact that
the area I was living in had a very different accent and dialect than standard Japanese. I was training
my ear to recognize standard Japanese but that's not what I was hearing!
Long story short, we should
recognize that we are there to help people communicate and not teaching EFL in order to propagate our
own regional form of English.
PS. One of the language classes I took over couldn't understand me because I had a "strange" accent.
(I have a standard Canadian accent--not the fake "Americans making fun of Canadians") Their
previous teacher was from Mississippi and pronounced my name as "Gin"ifer. To most English speakers
he was the one with the strange accent!"
Lulu said...
"I have taught English as a foreign language, and I'm English myself so have certain biases! I
believe that British English is more 'correct' in general in terms of our use of the perfect tenses
and of some adverbs which are often omitted or swapped for adjectives in American English. That said,
when I am teaching in Mexico or in Latin American coutries for example I will advise students to focus
more on American English because it is far more relevant to them. I will also teach new words
demonstrating not only how I say it, but how a North American would say it because a mixture of
styles is the worst style of all. Furthermore, language is something that is constantly evolving,
so we can't really talk about what is the original or best anymore and those things aren't really
important. I love the differences between American and British English, if we were all the same
things would be very boring."
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