International Accents and High-Stakes English Testing
- douglas540
- Oct 20, 2023
- 4 min read
English is often hailed as the global lingua franca, connecting people from varied backgrounds across the world. However, there are many variations of Englishes, raising the question of which standards should be considered the norm. American English? British? Your own way of speaking English?
The Dominance of British and American Accents
First, let's look at why British and American English have achieved such prominence on the global stage. British English is rooted in the historical influence of the British Empire. Early English varieties emerged in regions the British colonized. American English, on the other hand, has its roots in colonial history but has evolved distinctively over the past few centuries. The importance of these two variants can be attributed to these key factors outlined below.
1. Economic and Cultural Influence: Both the United Kingdom and the United States have been global economic and cultural powerhouses. American media, in particular, has reached far and wide through movies, music, and television shows, contributing to the popularity of American English.
2. Education: Famous US & UK universities have maintained high standards of education and research. This has led to the global recognition of British and American English as the standards of academic excellence.
3. Technology and Innovation: scientific advances in the past two centuries have been dominated by English-speaking countries (particularly the US). The global adoption of technology has further propelled the use of American English in fields such as information technology and business.
4. International Diplomacy: English is often the language of international diplomacy. The historical role of the
British Empire and the subsequent emergence of the United States as a superpower have solidified the position of British and American English in international relations.
With two dominate English standards influencing the major fields above, it is no wonder that it has also taken a prominent place in the areas of language testing.
High-Stakes English Language Testing
High-stakes English language tests heavily impact individuals' academic, professional, and immigration prospects. Tests like the TOEFL, IELTS, and Cambridge English exams set the standard for assessing language skills, and they frequently prioritize American or British English. These tests influence the way English is taught and learned, as they shape language standards (pronunciation, grammar, etc.).
International students seeking admission to English-speaking universities know very well the specific language expectations of the country where they intend to study. This pressure contributes to the dominance of British and American English norms in education.
For employment opportunities overseas, employers require English language proficiency for various job positions, especially in multinational corporations. You might find your regional dialect or accent not welcome and instead you are expected to conform towards British or American English standards.
If you are studying for immigration and citizenship in an English-speaking country, language tests are a big part of the process. Applicants are assessed on their ability to communicate in the dominant English variants, which are usually based on British or American standards.
But really...what are the differences between American and British English?
The Impact on Grammar and Pronunciation
High-stakes English language testing has undoubtedly shaped global language norms. However, the preference for either British or American English in these tests can lead to discrepancies evident in pronunciation, vocabulary, and spelling.
For example, one may adopt (consciously or not) an unnatural accent in order to be perceived as more intelligent. Even native speakers have done this. Broadcast journalists and DJ's from the rural areas have worked hard to eliminate the countryside 'twang' from their accents in order to find big city employment.
There are also grammatical differences between British and American English. For example, the use of "have got" (British) versus "have" (American) or "learnt" (British) versus "learned" (American). High-stakes tests may prioritize one of these grammatical forms, leading to non-standard usage in international communication.
Other minor differences exist, of course, but the question remains: why should only two English standards continue to dominate?
The Search for a Global English Standard
While both British and American English prevail internationally, there are efforts to promote a neutral, standardized form of English that transcends regional biases. This form of English is often referred to as International English or Global English.
The push for International English acknowledges the diverse nature of English speakers worldwide and aims to provide a common ground for communication. Key characteristics of International English include:
Neutral Pronunciation: International English avoids the extreme features of any one English variant's pronunciation. It promotes clarity and comprehension in communication by avoiding overly strong accents. How exactly an accent can be neutral remains to be seen, but I imagine that the less your accent reveals where you come from, the more neutral it may be.
Standardized Vocabulary and Spelling: International English adopts vocabulary and spelling that are widely accepted and understood. I imagine a fine day in the distant future when the global community takes control of English from the native speakers and cleans up our ridiculously awful spelling system!
Simplified Grammar: International English strives for simplicity in grammar, avoiding some of the complexities found in both British and American English. This simplification enhances ease of understanding for non-native speakers. Consider: "Though I can't deny that it was a challenging task, if you were to somehow, against all odds, successfully complete the project within the specified time frame, it would not only exceed our expectations, but also, I dare say, make history in our industry." Translation: Do your best.
Inclusivity: International English encourages the use of language that is inclusive and respectful of cultural and linguistic diversity. It avoids idiomatic expressions and slang that may not be universally understood. Imagine if English were free of slang, idioms, and odd expressions like good grief! and Bob's your Uncle.
Conclusion
Whatever English you speak, one thing is clear: the demographics and power balances are changing. British and American varieties of English cannot remain on top forever. As the world gets smaller and smaller, sooner or later the time will come to unify English into some kind of global standard. The question is: will language tests adopt those new norms as part of evaluation? Only time will tell.
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