ENGLISH is now language of the global village. From land of the Rising Sun to the Hudson Bay, English has bridged communication gaps amongst all civilizations. And along this stretch, there are as many varieties as could be. There are “Englishes”, a host of non-native varieties, dialects and accents. It is a manifestation of the linguistic phenomenon which states that a language spread over a large geographical area, will have that many varieties.
Communication is the primary objective of any language. Sounds and symbols of a language carry our thoughts and feelings. Linguists are convinced that ‘intelligibility’ is the most valid criterion for a living language. Thus ‘pure language’ is a myth now. All the living languages of the day are quickly changing. And today, the pace of this change is more than at any given period of time in human history.
Pakistani English is a developed non-native variety of global English. When British seafarers of the East India Company landed at the beaches of India in AD1608, the sapling of English language was planted in the subcontinent. Since then it has being nurtured by the numerous regional languages, including the major languages of the region, Hindi and Urdu. Here in Pakistan, English has been the vehicle of all official, business and scientific communication since independence in 1947. In the five decades since, English in Pakistan has been adapted by the local needs. In other words, regional languages have influenced phonology and lexis of this alien language by making it suitable to the linguistic needs of the region. The process of de-alienation, adaptation as well as indigenization is still at work. This universal phenomenon has transformed languages all over the world. This phenomenon should be viewed as development. In fact, it connotes that people of that region have accepted English as a Common Global Language (CGL) and have familiarized the language of Great Britain. Similar phenomenon took place in the North American and Australian continents in 18th century. Now American and Australian varieties are identified as standard as well as distinct.
Languages are borrowers and lenders. English is a prolific borrower and lender. The Old English vocabulary consisted of a sprinkling of Latin and Scandinavian words. The Norman Conquest of AD1066 brought the French language to England. It had tremendous impact on English and thousands of new words were introduced. In the 19th century English became the dominant world language and it has contributed considerably to many living languages around the world. On the other side it has borrowed generously from major world languages. Sometime a borrowed expression in a certain context seems more appropriate than the local English expression. Linguistic interaction of various human languages has different modes like calaque, in which an expression of one language is translated into another; interlanguage compounding, when two or more languages are involved in one word, as well as coinage of words. Thus question of “impurity”, “degradation” and “devastation” of a language does not arise. Such thoughts are motivated by socio-political eccentricities and considered invalid by the linguists. English language has borrowed numerous words from other languages. It gives English leverage over other languages of the world for having closer interaction with many human languages.
Pakistan has six major languages viz Punjabi (all varieties), Sindhi, Pashto, Urdu, Balochi, and English respectively. Every educated Pakistani speaks at least three languages. English is a compulsory language from junior classes. Here English interacts with regional Pakistani languages at individual level. Within an individual as well as social fabric of Pakistan, English is localized in pronunciation, lexicon and even syntax. This is natural transformation, neither unlawful nor unwarranted. It might be “impure” for a person who passionately follows British Standard English (BSE) or “pure” English. Such enthusiasts regard English a “Holy” language and any linguistic variation is scornfully opposed. They in fact, outrightly negate dynamic and evolutionary nature of English language. “Holiness” of English is a major barrier in English language teaching. Students suffer from “English Phobia” in the process associating some strange notions with English.
A word from any regional language in English is considered a serious error. Whereas excessive usage of English words in regional languages is a qualification. Above all any mistake or mispronunciation of an English word is perhaps a sin. While pronouncing Urdu words in English accent is symbol of high learning. A former Prime Minister of Pakistan used to deliberately mispronounce Urdu words in an English manner, in public. In a former colony it’s a classical example of “mimicry”.
Pakistani English is an established variety of Global English. The indigenization of English language occurred wherever it was used by a speaker of other language. Pakistani English is not an exception. It has localized lexical items, idiomatic expressions, syntax and pronunciation. Received Pronunciation (RP) is not a yardstick for Pakistani English. Language written and spoken by educated elite, broadcasters and academia of a community is considered standard. Pakistani Standard English (PSE) is thus a standard form to be followed in ELT, national linguistic policy and media. This area is really deficient of scholarly work including Pakistani English dictionary. More work is required to strengthen intellectual foundation of the Pakistani English. However some work is in progress at National Language Authority, Islamabad.
Lastly labeling Pakistani English as “Desi” or “Un-English” (degradation of British English) is merely a pseudo-linguistic endeavor. Moreover creating Urdu-English antagonism is also to develop communication barriers. A fond, English-Urdu linguistic harmony is developing.
ENGLISH is now language of the global village. From land of the Rising Sun to the Hudson Bay, English has bridged communication gaps amongst all civilizations. And along this stretch, there are as many varieties as could be. There are “Englishes”, a host of non-native varieties, dialects and accents. It is a manifestation of the linguistic phenomenon which states that a language spread over a large geographical area, will have that many varieties.
