In countries like India, Hong Kong, and the Philippines, English is primarily used as a second or third language alongside local languages. So, borrowing a language from other countries remains the biggest source of creating new words. When people think of varieties in the English language, they tend to think different and unusual words that conjure visions of exotic English language.However, the innovation in the world of English is far from being limited to speaking and written language. The speakers of English language are somehow changing the language as compared to the written format.There are some ways depicted in which speakers of emerging varieties of English all over the world are shaping the vocabulary of the language
Changing of Proper Noun to a Common Noun
Suzie Wong is a proper noun. This name is dedicated to the leading character in the novel in the Chinese language. Hence, according to the current scenario, the name has become a slang word for Chinese women who consort with visiting servicemen. This is the first instance where the speaking English is changing day by day.
Changing the Meanings of Words
If we take the word ‘gimmick’ to our instance, it is usually referred as a clever trick or publicity stunt, but in the Philippines, it reflects a fun night out with friends.The above example showed the creativity for word innovation by English speakers. Such new expressions are increasingly making their way into laymen languages that are spoken. One important means of collecting information on these types of vocabulary is by listening to it from one person to another who uses it.
Continuing To Use Words That Were Used In Laymen Way
This expression of language began in the United States where it was initially used. For example, referring ‘rooms in a public building or workplace furnished with amenities’ are altered with ‘facilities for resting, personal hygiene, and storage of personal items.’ The first sentence is now rarely heard in America, but it is still used in the Philippines, India, and several other countries. Another instance is where the common term for a public toilet was used as the most is now it is altered and equivalent to laymen words like ‘restroom and loo’.
Explaining A Word or Expression from A Local Language
Today, many words of English are being translated into a local language, especially in Philippines and India. Words like ‘jungle’, ‘gherao’, and ‘lathi’ are local words of Hindi language that have been updated in Oxford dictionary in today’s time. This depicts that words—forest, surroundings and stick are expressed in the local language to understand in a better way.
Why Languages Change?
Language changes for numerous reasons. Firstly, it changes because speakers change. New technologies, new products, and new experiences require innovating new words. Another reason for the change is that no two people have exact experience with the same language, which impacts the language somehow. Hence, the language is a vast area which has no bounds and limits while speaking and written versions.
Hence, the language is a vast area which has no bounds and limits while speaking and written versions.