Introduction

The classification of English as a foreign language can vary significantly depending on the context and individual's perspective. Understanding this variability helps in appreciating the linguistic landscape in which English operates, as it is a globally used language that transcends boundaries.

Classification of English as a Foreign Language

Whether English is considered a foreign language depends on the context:

For Native Speakers: In countries where English is the primary language, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, it is not a foreign language. These countries embrace English as their vernacular, deeply integrated into their cultural and social fabric.

For Non-Native Speakers: In countries where English is not the primary language, such as France, Japan, or Brazil, it is often considered a foreign language. Here, the language is learned and used for various purposes, including education, business, and communication.

Global Context: English is widely used as a second language and is often taught in schools around the world. It serves as a global lingua franca, facilitating communication across diverse cultures and nations.

English in the United Kingdom: A Genome of Linguistic Diversity

English, born in the United Kingdom, is the vernacular of the English people. Its essence and usage vary slightly in different regions, such as London, Liverpool, Newcastle, and Cornwall.

Domestic English

For the most part, English is the native language in England. However, even within this context, dialects like Cockney in London or Geordie in Newcastle provide local variations. Interestingly, England's colonial heritage led to the spread of English worldwide. However, English-speaking colonies often adopted their own dialects, sometimes warping or borrowing elements from indigenous languages.

Global English

Outside of England, English manifests in various forms, sometimes adapted to local contexts or even hybridized with indigenous languages. For example, American English, with its unique spelling and pronunciation, reflects the influence of both early British settlers and the nation's history.

Personal Journeys: An American Born to Linguistic Immigrants

Despite being born in the United States, the author's linguistic journey reveals the complexity of English as a foreign language. In the author's case, neither side of the family taught English as a primary language.

Scots and Danish Background

Though the author's paternal grandfather was from Scotland and the maternal grandmother was from Denmark, both families continued to use their native languages, Danish and Scottish respectively. The author learned Danish from her father and Crucian, her stepfather, who was from Greece, from his second wife.

Adopting English

English only became an integral part of the author's vocabulary after these initial native influences. Even now, the author often prefers to use Spanish or Danish when it comes to thinking or expressing herself. This experience underlines the subjective nature of labeling English as a foreign language.

Conclusion

The classification of English as a foreign language is highly relative. While it may be considered a mother tongue in some countries, it’s a learned and integrated tool in others. Understanding this context helps in appreciating the linguistic diversity and the evolving nature of the language on a global scale.