#Linguistics Kachru’s 3 circles model of world Englishes

 

Kachru’s 3 circles model of world Englishes

Among all models of world Englishes, the model of Indian sociolinguist Kachru’s model is more famous and authentic about the different varieties of English. His model first appeared in English today in 1988. Kachru defenses his model by giving three circles, inner circle ENL, outer circle ESL, and expanding circle EFL. In inner circle English is treated as native language, in outer circle English is treated as second language and in expanding circle English is treated as a foreign language. His model has immense importance in the field of World Englishes. He views the things from political and historical perspective. 

Inner circle: The first circle would inner circle which is considered as ENL where English is treated a mother tongue or native language and it is norm providing circle, it provides us norms to follow. The territories like USA, UK, New Zealand, Australia are come under inner circle. These countries are not supposed to learn English, but they acquire it. Round about 320 to 380 million people use English as their native language. Here English serves purpose of official Language.

Outer circle: The second circle would be outer circle which is consisting of ESL, where English is treated as a second. Here it doesn’t serve purpose of official language rather would be semi-official language of country. In this variety people are supposed to learn because it has strong influence in their country and often emphasizes on the educational purposes of county like people must learn it for better job opportunities. This circle is considered as a norm developing countries who produces their norms according to their culture. Mostly those countries which once been colony of British Raj such as India, Pakistan, Nigeria and Uganda.

Expanding circle: The third circle would be expanding circle which is consisting of EFL, where English is treated as foreign language. There is not so much influence on an individual to learn English language rather it depends on the personal choice. It has some influence on the international purposes. Here it serves purpose of international usefulness. The circle is considered as norm dependent, they don’t treat English as official or second language. The countries like China, KSA, Korea, and Iran where English serves purposes of foreign languages.