Q1. Explain in your words the settlement history of American English.

Also, describe the

different varieties of American English with a special reference to the regional dialects.

Introduction

American English, variety of the English language spoken in the United States. Although all
Americans do not speak the same way, their speech has enough in common that American
English can be recognized as a variety of English distinct from British English, Australian
English, and other national varieties. American English has grown up with the country. It began
to diverge from British English during its colonial beginnings and acquired regional differences
and ethnic flavor during the settlement of the continent. Today it influences other languages and
other varieties of English because it is the medium by which the attractions of American culture–
its literature, motion pictures, and television programs–are transmitted to the world.

History of American English

American English shows many influences from the different cultures and languages of the
people who settled in North America. The nature of the influence depends on the time and the
circumstances of contact between cultures.

Q2. Colonialism had its lasting effects on language policy of the sub-continent. It is well
known that English language still plays an integral role in the education policy of the
countries of the subcontinent. In the light of the above statement, describe the current
status of English in Pakistan and India with a special reference to the dual education
system which both of these countries inherited from the colonial era.

Current status of English in Pakistan & India with dual system of education :-

The emblematic status of English, due to its historical association with the elite has helped in
making it a language associated with prestige. English is the language of power in comparison
with Urdu, the national language, and other regional languages of Pakistan. Now-a-days, English
has become the international language. It play’s an indispensable role in every field of life. It is
believed that English speaker is like a magician in current era. English language plays an
important role in the educational institute of Pakistan.

To begin with English language is used as a medium of instruction in the educational institutions.
For instance, the teacher deliver their lectures throughout in the English language at the
universities. Similarly, the teachers force their students to speak English during the class. In this
way, we can see the importance of English language in the higher level education. In addition,
the teacher teaches English language to their students through different courses such as TEFL.
As well as, students have opportunity to improve their speaking skill through the conversation
with their teachers and fellows in English language. Therefore educational institution give
preference to English language as a medium of instruction. Moreover, English language is used
as official language in the many countries of the world. As well as, English speaker have more
opportunity for the best jobs in the private and government sectors in the Pakistan .In the same
way, society give preference to English speaker as compare to speaker of other languages. As
well as society give difference to that individual who is fluent in speaking English. Furthermore,
English language is the first language of developed countries and Pakistan includes in the
developing countries. Thus, English language is very important for the international relations.
English has acquired a dominant position in Pakistan. It is not only useful for being professional
but it is considered the sign of victory, authority, and social supremacy. This kind of authority is
clearly seen in Pakistan and the people swap from their local languages to English to be
dominant member of the society. On the other hand, Urdu is also considered an official language
as English. It is the language of literacy in Pakistan. The educated people of Pakistan consider it
an ordinary thing to use Urdu feature into English .

Officially English has a status of assistant language, but in fact it is the most important language
of India. After Hindi it is the most commonly spoken language in India and probably the most
read and written language in India. Indians who know English will always try to show that they
know English. English symbolizes in Indians minds, better education, better culture and higher
intellect. Indians who know English often mingle it with Indian languages in their conversations.
It is also usual among Indians to abruptly move to speak fluent English in the middle of their
conversations. English also serves as the communicator among Indians who speak different
language. English is very important in some systems – legal, financial, educational, business –
in India. Until the beginning of 1990s, foreign movies in India weren’t translated or dubbed in
Indian languages, but were broadcast in English and were meant for English speakers only. The
reason Indians give such importance to English is related to the fact that India was a British
colony. Many new schools were established in which the language of instruction was English.
According to the British laws the language of instruction at university level was English and
therefore schools that emphasized English were preferred by ambitious Indians. Even after
India’s independence, English remained the main language of India. Officially it was given a
status of an assistant language and was supposed to terminate officially after 15 years of India’s
independence, but it still remains the important language of India. Even today schools in India
that emphasis English are considered better schools and the same is the case at university levels,
even though there is a trend towards Indianization. In the 1970s and 1980s about one third of the
Indian schools had English as their first language. For most of these students, English is their
first language and it is easier for them to communicate, read and write in English than in Indian
languages, including their mother tongues. India have formally adopted the dual education
system from colonial era. Education remains as the main factor behind the success in life for any
country if there is a good educational system there is good talent as well. But unfortunately in
Pakistan our educational system is divided in to two types . Most private schools choose English
as their medium of education while the government institutions prefer Urdu .Some students study
in Urdu all their lives and then when they go to colleges and universities, they have to study in
English. It becomes rather difficult for them to adjust to the change in language. The youth is
divided into different classes and this affects the uniformity of the students. This lack of
uniformity in turn results in intellectual differences amongst the youth. The nation drastically
suffers due to the dual education system that prevails in our country. For a Pakistani student, it is
a lifelong struggle. The weak and dual system of education does not only affect the student’s
way of thinking but also limits their work performance. They are unable to secure good jobs.
Most employers prefer employees who have gone to better private schools and received quality
education.