What it Takes to become a Pluricentric Language

Valentyna SKYBINA

A number of theories aimed at describing and explaining variation of English have been developed (see, for example: Allerton, Skandera, Tschichold 2002; Clyne 1991; Hoffman & Siebers 2009; Kachru 1986; Loiter 1992; Skybina 2000; Wolf & Polzenhagen 2009), however, there is still no consensus as to the mechanisms of the English language transformation from a monocentric into a pluricentric entity.

The purpose of this study is to advance understanding of the dynamics of the English language under the conditions of dissemination and to characterize some mechanisms of its transformation into a pluricentric language. Special attention is paid to the role of natural and cultural environment in “pluricentrization”.  Changes in attitudes of the language-speaking community towards the new varieties and in their interpretation by researchers are discussed.

The study consists of two parts. In the first part, a theoretical model of the English language transformation into a pluricentric entity is developed. Theoretical positions are based on the results of the investigation of the conceptual and lexical systems transformations in native varieties. In the second part, socio-political aspects of “pluricentrization” are discussed.

The methods used are those of the Complex Adaptive Systems (CAS) (Beckner et al. 2009; Ellis & Larsen–Freeman 2009; Yin Shan & Ang Yang 2008), primarily the Method of System Potential (MSP) (Pushnoi & Bosner, 2008), of semantic analysis of lexemes’ meaning, and of the pertaining literature review.

The model developed suggests that “pluricentrization” is the result of mutual adaptation and co-evolution of at least three complex adaptive systems – language, language-speaking community, and habitat. The study implies that the adaptation mechanisms operate mostly in accordance with the internalized patterns, that is why new natural and cultural conditions cannot violate the language homeostasis but promote alteration of the variation type. Changes in the attitude towards national varieties of English from purism to the codification of regional standard characterize the socio-political aspect of “pluricentrization”.

 

Reference:

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Beckner, C., Blythe, R., Bybee, J., Christiansen, M. H., Croft, W., Ellis, N. C., Holland, J., Ke, J., Larsen-Freeman, D., Schoenemann, T. 2009. Language is a Complex Adaptive System: Position Paper. In Language as a complex adaptive system, ed by Ellis, N. C. & Larsen-Freeman, D., 1-26. Chichester, Malden: Wiley-Blackwell.

Clyne, M. (Ed.) 1991. Pluricentric Languages. Different Norms in Different Nations. The Hague: Mouton de Gruyter.

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Pushnoi, G. S. & Bosner, G. L. 2008. Method of Systems Potential as "Top-Bottom" Technique of the Complex Adaptive Systems Modeling. In Intelligent Complex Adaptive Systems, ed. by Ang Yin & Yang Shan, 26-59.Hershey, PA: IGI.

Skybina, V. 2000. Pluricentric languages: Developmental mechanisms. In New Philology. #1 (9): 38 – 51.

Wolf, H-G & Polzenhagen, F. 2009. World Englishes: a cognitive sociolinguistic approach. Berlin; New York: Mouton de Gruyter.