Introduction to Varieties of English

Assalamualaikum w.b.t.

What is Varieties of English?

Why do we choose this subject to work on?

Those are the questions that were asked in the beginning of our group project.

Our answers lie within this post.

First and foremost, let me introduce you to Varieties of English (VOE). This subject deals with the linguistic variety of English spoken in different places all over the world. VOE deals with the differences that occur whether in written or spoken English. As English is a global language, it is inevitable to have slight variant in terms of its usage influenced by many internal and external factors. Hence, Varieties of English study, analyse and understands these differences.

We have chosen this subject because we see the importance of trying to inject as many Islamic teaching as possible to the subject that deals with the beauty of language. For example, while understanding English varieties like Hong Kong English (Konglish), Malay English (Manglish), African American English (BEV) and others, we are indirectly trying to understand the culture of the people. 

Quoting Nelson Mandela,

“If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.”

 Since it seems almost impossible to acquire all languages spoken by men, the next best thing that we can try is to learn and understand a common language shared by many to share our knowledge of Islam. Through this, we hope that this small start goes a long way.

Thank you for reading.