English 6
Toggle Dark/Light/Auto mode Toggle Dark/Light/Auto mode Toggle Dark/Light/Auto mode Back to homepage
  1. Välkommen till Naturkunskap 1A1
  2. /
  3. Unit 2 - The Evolution of English Language
  4. /
  5. Readings
  6. /
  7. English 2123

English 2123

Read and listen to this article as homework. Come prepared for the discussion questions, we will discuss five randomly selected ones.

Based on the content of the article, here are some discussion questions that can be used in an ESL class:

  1. The article discusses the influence of non-native English speakers on the evolution of the language. What are your thoughts on this? How do you think your own native language might influence your English pronunciation or vocabulary?.
  2. Discuss the concept of the “Great Vowel Shift” from the Middle Ages. Do you think such a shift could happen again in the future? Why or why not?
  3. The article suggests that regional variations of English are emerging due to the widespread use of English globally. Can you think of any examples of this in your own region or country? How do you feel about these regional variations?
  4. Consider the English accents in Southeast Asia, as discussed in the article. Do you think non-native accents are a problem, or do they contribute to the richness and diversity of the language? Why?
  5. As an English learner, do you strive to reproduce American- or British-accented English, or do you focus more on intelligibility? What are your thoughts on this debate
  6. Jennifer Jenkins’ research suggests that certain consonants might undergo severe changes in the future. How do you feel about this prediction? What challenges might these changes pose for English learners?
  7. The article mentions that some clusters of consonants may simplify in the future. Do you think this simplification would make English easier or more difficult to learn? Why?
  8. Barbara Seidlhofer predicts that non-native speakers may change how certain words and phrases are formed in English. Do you find yourself making similar changes when you speak English? Why or why not?
  9. The article suggests that the future of English may depend on which regional version becomes dominant. What are your thoughts on this? Which regional version of English do you think might become dominant, and why?
  10. The article assumes that English will continue to be a dominant global language. Do you agree with this assumption? Why or why not?