Global

Chapter 5 explores the rise of English as a global language, a process driven by British colonialism and later American influence. This linguistic globalization is characterized by English becoming a common medium for international business, science and culture. The chapter outlines how English spread through different types of colonization – settlement, exploitation and plantation – leading to distinct varieties worldwide. It introduces Braj Kachru's Three Circles model (Inner, Outer, Expanding) to categorize these varieties based on their historical spread and current function. The chapter also critiques the concept of the ‘native speaker’, arguing that it is often used to perpetuate discriminatory ideologies that unfairly privilege certain speakers over others.