Should you Practise English in a Global English Salon?

...redefined too. English has been the reigning international language for the last century. But what English? There is more than one kind. And I think that the current global English salons you can find on the internet these days (language practice rooms where you can speak with others in English for practise) reflect the latest kind of international English.

What we're going cover is: 1- British English
2- Then American English
3- But now, there is no standard. English is often used by two people who each speak a first language that is not English

British English used to be the Standard

After the first world war, English finally became the primary international language of business and international affairs. It had been Spanish and then French. But the new century brought with it a new international language. English learners wanted to learn the "Queen's English" and for good reason. That was the decided standard English of the day. And being the monarch of the English empire, she was the de facto representative of the language and the empire.

Then American English became the Standard

Wars have a profound effect on it, and the second world war brought in the reign of American English. Some stalwarts still insisted on the "Queen's English" but many turned to the more popular American version. This may have been due to the rise of American power and influence, or the strength of the American dollar or even just the relaxed nature of the language. Regardless, many students wanted to learn American accents and expressions.

But now, there is no Standard

Now, English is often used by two people who each speak a first language that is not English. You can find this English being used by businessmen in Asia. Neither speak English as a foreign language, and neither speak the other's language, so they use a 'neutral language' English. Like fusion cooking, this will bring changes to the English language. In fact, the number of non-native speakers of English outnumbers the native speakers now. Changes in English are inevitable (English changes naturally with time even with native speakers). You can start to sample this new English in global English salons across the internet.

But I Want to Study Standard English!

Sure, I encourage you to study standard English. The problem is deciding what is standard. I cannot tell you. I teach Canadian English (that's what I speak). But I have almost no difficulty understanding English from other countries.

Summary

Like cooking, English is being influenced by new international trends. It used to be defined by British English, and the model was the "Queen's English" Then the standard changed to American English, with new American influence. Today, however, there seems to be no standard English accepted by everyone. The goal is to learn an English that everyone can understand in the international arena. You can find this new international English in one of the global English salons on the internet.

Next Step

I recommend joining a salon to practise your English. There is no such salon on English Listening World, but you may find one at Englishclub.com. They call them chatrooms and you can go there to practise English. Go and try out your English now.