English Class 11 Chapter 8 Notes Bihar Board बिहार बोर्ड

Notes For All Chapters – English Class 11

Future of English

• Ongoing Evolution:
  • The story of English is ongoing and cannot be concluded like classical literary works such as Milton’s epics or Shakespeare’s plays.
  • English continues to evolve, much like the continuous evolution of modern humanity.
• Purpose of English Language Learning:
  • The primary aim of teaching English is to help learners (especially those for whom English is a second or third language) to understand, enjoy, and master the language.
  • Mastery of English is seen as a way to promote better human understanding, cooperation, and work culture.
• Contribution to the Language:
  • Each individual contributes to the ongoing story of English, similar to how stories in ancient texts like the Mahabharata, Panchatantra, and Jataka Tales unfold and connect.

The Future of English:

• Two Perspectives on English’s Future:
  • Decline Like Latin: Some people believe English might follow the path of Latin, which was once a world language but eventually split into various languages (e.g., Spanish, French, Italian) after the fall of the Roman Empire, leading Latin to fall out of common use.
  • Global Standard English: Others believe that the different varieties of English will merge into a single Global Standard English, which will be used universally in:
    • International travel and tourism.
    • International press coverage.
    • Communication between governments.
    • Multinational business organizations.
• Uncertain Outcome:
  • The future of English is uncertain-whether it will decline like Latin or unify into a global standard is yet to be seen.

Modern Usage of English:

• Changes in the 20th Century:
  • The latter part of the 20th century saw rapid changes in English, with many traditional concepts of grammar, spelling, and pronunciation becoming more flexible.
  • The Internet’s Influence:
    • The internet has played a significant role in these changes. In 1995, about 45 million people used the internet worldwide; by 2006, this number had more than doubled.
    • The rise of cyber cafes and internet usage in India reflects not only the popularity of computers and the internet but also their necessity.
  • English in Technology:
    • Currently, English is the dominant language used in computing and the internet, although efforts are being made in various countries to develop software in their native languages.
• Continued Evolution:
  • The story of English continues, with its evolution closely tied to technological advancements and global communication needs.