WORLD ENGLISHES: FROM HISTORICAL EVOLUTION TO DIGITAL FUTURES

Abstract

This book offers a comprehensive exploration of English as a global language, tracing its transformation from its European roots to its current status as a dominant medium of international communication. It delves into the historical, political, economic, and technological forces that have driven English's global spread—from colonial expansion and trade to digital media and global education. Rather than viewing English as a fixed or singular language, the book presents it as a fluid and adaptive phenomenon, shaped by the diverse contexts in which it is used and continually redefined by its speakers across cultures and continents.   Structured around interconnected themes, the book examines key sociolinguistic models like Kachru's Three Circles, the rise of new English varieties, code-switching, and the influence of digital communication on language norms. It emphasizes the plurality and hybridity of English in various global settings, offering examples such as Indian English and internet slang to highlight how users creatively adapt the language to reflect their identities and realities. Aimed at students, educators, and general readers, the book challenges prescriptive views of linguistic correctness and advocates for a more inclusive understanding of English in the modern world.   ISBN: 978-623-147-929-7