Here you will get the detailed summary of IGNOU MEG 4 Block 8 –The Spread of English.
We have provided the summary of all units starting from unit 1 to unit 4.
Introduction
Block 8 of the IGNOU MEG-4 course, The Spread of English, explores how English evolved from a regional language into a global lingua franca, adapting to different cultural, political, and social environments. This block investigates the historical journey, the internal diversification of the language, and the emergence of World Englishes with a particular emphasis on Indian English. The unit also addresses issues of standardization, identity, and variation, offering both linguistic and sociolinguistic perspectives on the global presence of English.
Unit 1 – Variation and Varieties
This unit focuses on the linguistic diversity within English, highlighting how the language varies across regions, social groups, and functions. It introduces the concepts of dialect, accent, and register, and emphasizes that English is not monolithic but made up of multiple overlapping varieties.
Key Points:
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Types of Variation:
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Regional: British, American, Australian English, etc.
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Social: Variations by class, profession, education.
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Functional: Differences in spoken vs written forms, formal vs informal uses.
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Standard vs Non-standard English:
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Standard English enjoys institutional authority, but non-standard varieties are rich in identity and creativity.
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Code-switching and Mixing: Common in multilingual settings.
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Attitudes Toward Varieties:
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Some varieties are stigmatized; others are privileged—often reflecting power dynamics rather than linguistic superiority.
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This unit establishes that variation is natural and inevitable, especially in a global language.
Unit 2 – Consolidation and Standardization of English
This unit explores how English developed from a fragmented language with diverse dialects into a standardized form with codified grammar, spelling, and vocabulary. It focuses on the historical processes that led to linguistic consolidation in England and beyond.
Major Topics:
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Printing Press:
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Introduced by William Caxton in 1476; played a key role in fixing spellings and usage.
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Role of Institutions:
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Dictionaries (e.g., Samuel Johnson’s), grammar books, and education systems contributed to standardization.
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Social and Political Forces:
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The rise of London as a commercial and political center helped make the London dialect dominant.
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Prescriptivism:
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The belief that there is a “correct” way to use English; led to fixed norms but discouraged natural variation.
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This unit provides context for why and how standard English emerged, and how it continues to shape global attitudes toward “correct” usage.
Unit 3 – The Spread and Rise of Englishes
This unit discusses the global spread of English—a result of British colonialism, global trade, and later, American economic and cultural dominance. It introduces the concept of “World Englishes”, recognizing that English now exists in many localized forms.
Key Concepts:
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Kachru’s Three Circles Model:
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Inner Circle: Native speakers (UK, USA, Australia).
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Outer Circle: Former colonies where English has institutional status (India, Nigeria).
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Expanding Circle: Countries where English is learned as a foreign language (China, Russia).
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English as a Global Language:
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Used in international diplomacy, science, education, and technology.
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New Englishes:
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These are localized, indigenized varieties with their own rules, influenced by local languages and cultures.
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Issues of Legitimacy:
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Whether these varieties should be treated as “correct” forms of English.
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This unit shifts the perspective from English as a single authority-driven language to one that is fluid, adaptive, and plural.
Unit 4 – Indian English
The final unit in the block focuses specifically on Indian English, tracing its history, development, features, and status in postcolonial India.
Highlights:
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Historical Roots:
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Introduced through colonization, English became the medium for administration, law, and education under British rule.
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Post-independence Role:
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Continued as a link language in a linguistically diverse nation.
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Coexists with Hindi and regional languages.
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Linguistic Features:
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Pronunciation influenced by native languages (e.g., retroflex consonants).
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Distinct vocabulary and expressions: prepone, cousin brother, doing the needful.
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Grammar variations: use of continuous tenses, article usage, etc.
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Debates Around Indian English:
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Seen as a symbol of elitism and colonial legacy by some.
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Others view it as a legitimate, evolving Indian variety with its own identity.
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Cultural Role:
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Used in Indian writing in English, journalism, academia, and global communication.
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This unit emphasizes that Indian English is not ‘incorrect’ English, but a valid, expressive variety shaped by the country’s multilingual context.
Unit 4 – Indian English
The final unit in the block focuses specifically on Indian English, tracing its history, development, features, and status in postcolonial India.
Highlights:
-
Historical Roots:
-
Introduced through colonization, English became the medium for administration, law, and education under British rule.
-
-
Post-independence Role:
-
Continued as a link language in a linguistically diverse nation.
-
Coexists with Hindi and regional languages.
-
-
Linguistic Features:
-
Pronunciation influenced by native languages (e.g., retroflex consonants).
-
Distinct vocabulary and expressions: prepone, cousin brother, doing the needful.
-
Grammar variations: use of continuous tenses, article usage, etc.
-
-
Debates Around Indian English:
-
Seen as a symbol of elitism and colonial legacy by some.
-
Others view it as a legitimate, evolving Indian variety with its own identity.
-
-
Cultural Role:
-
Used in Indian writing in English, journalism, academia, and global communication.
-
This unit emphasizes that Indian English is not ‘incorrect’ English, but a valid, expressive variety shaped by the country’s multilingual context.