The Realities of Real English: Voices from the Exposed

Abstract

English is a tool that facilitates global communication, and yet, there are a number of issues that exist which hold the potential to curtail the appreciation of English as an International Language (EIL). One such issue holds its foundation in the remnants of linguistic imperialism. Within the notion of linguistic imperialism, the inner circle ‘prestige’ varieties are said to be superior to their outer and expanding circle counterparts. However, in the present day of EIL communication, are these perceptions still in play? This paper looks at the perceptions of the Australia-based Korean learner of English (KLE) when considering a selection of English varieties – American English, Australian English, British English, Korean English and Singaporean English. An analysis of the findings of this qualitative study suggests that the notion of ‘native speaker idolisation’ is still alive in the mind of the KLE in conjunction with disdain toward an outer circle variety of English. Follow-up interviews with several of the participants probe how English has impacted upon their lives with special attention paid to relationships built through English, discrimination and intelligibility issues. Through further analysis of the findings one can suggest methods that the ELT community may attempt to harness in order to positively impact upon the perceptions that learners of English hold toward various English varieties in addition to making the learners more self-aware of possible hurdles that may need to be overcome on personal levels. The ultimate goal of which, will be to contribute to the appreciation of EIL.