Globish is a neologism and a portmanteau of the words Global and English. It is a simplified version of the English language that uses only the most common English words and phrases. It is used by non-English-speakers of various native tongues.
Unlike Basic English, Simplified English and Voice of America English, it is not formalized and is built only by common practice. Thus it is often difficult to determine whether any particular example of English should or should not be considered to be Globish. Also, International English could be seen as the more extended and formalised counterpart of Globish.
Uses and alternatives
Use of Globish has continued to expand as a tool of common understanding in simple international communication. This is due to its practicality, in parallel with the need of means of communication that the globalization phenomenon entails.
This expansion goes to the point that some consider it a menace to cultural diversity and purity of non-English languages. Some also find Globish limited in what it can express.
The alternatives are constructed languages and other natural languages. Constructed languages, such as Esperanto or Volapük, are rarely taught and do not have many speakers. Natural languages serve as a better base for widespread communication since they have a core set of speakers. The more speakers, and the more widespread they are, the more likely a language will serve well. When a person chooses a second language to learn in order to communicate with others, it is natural that the number of people (and which people) already speak and write each given language is the major basis for the choice. Thus the widespread existing use of English across the globe leads to an increase in the use of English, and especially of forms like Globish and International English.
Some attempts at formalizing Globish
The term Globish has also been used for some attempts at formalizing it, such as :
- A small subset of English with substantially simplified spelling and pronunciation proposed in 1998 by Madhukar Gogate. For more information see Gogate Globish Profile.
- A small 1500-word subset of English with conventional spelling and pronunciation, serving as an aid for French-speaking people to learn core English. Promoted in the 2004 (French-language) book Parlez Globish by Jean-Paul Nerrière. For more information see Nerrière Globish Profile.
See also
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