The Future of English and Its Varieties: An Applied Linguistic Perspective
Abdelrahman Abdalla Salih
9 Pages Posted: 15 Mar 2021
Date Written: March 13, 2021
Abstract
[enteIn recent years, the rapid growth and unprecedented dominance of the English language has transformed the
world's linguistic ecology and promoted anxiety and debates about its future. The language has developed into a
leading international lingua franca used by millions of speakers in different linguistic and cultural contexts
worldwide. This paper examines an applied linguistic conceptual interest concerning the future of English and its
varieties in light of its current status, the challenges it experiences, and the conspicuous threats to half of the
world’s languages. The paper draws on the significance of broadening the study of the English language history
by examining the linguistic consequences associated with its changes and the users’ experience, expectations and
attitudes. The study also calls for a better understanding of the features of lesser-known English varieties and the
less researched domains of its use. r Abstract Body]
Keywords: global English, language change, the future of English, varieties of English
JEL Classification: Z39
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation