Braj Kachru

Definition

Braj Kachru is a prominent linguist known for his work on World Englishes, particularly the concept of 'three circles of English.' His framework categorizes the global spread of English into three concentric circles: the Inner Circle, the Outer Circle, and the Expanding Circle, highlighting how English functions differently across various contexts. This model has significant implications for understanding how English serves as a lingua franca in diverse sociolinguistic settings.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Braj Kachru's work emphasizes the importance of recognizing English as a global language shaped by local cultures and practices.
2. The Inner Circle includes countries where English is the primary language, such as the United States, the UK, and Canada.
3. The Outer Circle consists of countries where English is an official or second language, often linked to colonial history, such as India, Nigeria, and Singapore.
4. The Expanding Circle refers to countries where English is widely taught and used as a foreign language, without any official status, such as China and Brazil.
5. Kachru's model has influenced language policy and education, promoting the idea that non-native varieties of English are equally valid forms of communication.

Review Questions

• How does Braj Kachru's concept of the three circles of English help in understanding the global role of English?
  • Braj Kachru's concept of the three circles provides a framework for understanding how English functions differently across the globe. The Inner Circle represents native speakers who use English as their first language, while the Outer Circle highlights countries where English serves as a second language due to historical ties to colonialism. Lastly, the Expanding Circle showcases regions where English is primarily a foreign language. This model emphasizes that English adapts to local contexts, which is crucial for understanding its role as a lingua franca in international communication.
• Discuss how Kachru's model has implications for language education and policy in countries within the Outer Circle.
  • Kachru's model suggests that countries in the Outer Circle should embrace their unique varieties of English rather than striving to replicate Inner Circle norms. This perspective encourages educational institutions to develop curricula that reflect local cultural contexts while incorporating global English standards. Additionally, policymakers can recognize the legitimacy of non-native varieties, fostering an inclusive approach to language learning that respects linguistic diversity and promotes effective communication in multicultural settings.
• Evaluate how Braj Kachru's work on World Englishes has changed perceptions about linguistic hierarchies in global communication.
  • Braj Kachru's research challenges traditional linguistic hierarchies that prioritize Inner Circle English as the 'correct' form. By introducing the three circles model, he highlights that all varieties of English have value and serve distinct functions in their respective societies. This shift in perception has significant implications for global communication, promoting an understanding that diverse forms of English are legitimate and effective in their contexts. As a result, Kachru's work contributes to a more equitable view of language use worldwide, encouraging appreciation for linguistic diversity rather than enforcing a monolingual standard.

Related terms

World Englishes: The study of the global variations of English, acknowledging the language's adaptation and evolution in different cultural contexts.

Lingua Franca: A language that is used as a common means of communication between speakers of different native languages.

Three Circles Model: Kachru's model that divides the global use of English into three circles: Inner (native speakers), Outer (second language users), and Expanding (foreign language speakers).