Chapter 7 “Global English” English Rainbow Story Important Questions Class 11 Bihar Board बिहार बोर्ड

Important Questions For All Chapters – English Class 11

Short Questions with Answers

1. What is ‘Received Pronunciation’?

• Received Pronunciation is the standard form of British English speech.

2. Why is English called “the most gloriously impure language”?

• English is called “the most gloriously impure language” because it has borrowed words from many other languages.

3. Which countries influenced English vocabulary the most initially?

• European countries like France, Italy, Spain, and Latin-speaking nations influenced English vocabulary.

4. Name two American English words that differ from British English.

• Garbage (American) and Rubbish (British).

5. What is the meaning of ‘Himalayan blunder’ in Indian English?

• It means a grave mistake.

6. What is a ‘military hotel’ in Indian English?

• It refers to a non-vegetarian restaurant.

7. Which poem satirizes Indian English?

• The poem “Goodbye Party for Miss Pushpa T.S.” by Nissim Ezekiel satirizes Indian English.

8. Why did Americans develop their variety of English?

• Americans developed their variety of English to reflect their distinct identity as a free nation.

9. Name two varieties of New Englishes.

• Indian English and Nigerian English are examples of New Englishes.

10. What are some words in Indian English not used in British English?

• Words like ‘lakh,’ ‘bandh,’ and ‘godown’ are unique to Indian English.

11. Which two languages contributed ‘apricot’ and ‘opera’ to English?

• Spanish contributed ‘apricot,’ and Italian contributed ‘opera.’

12. What does ‘pin-drop silence’ mean in Indian English?

• It means complete or absolute silence.

13. Which phrase in Indian English means a box of matches?

• ‘Match box’ refers to a box of matches in Indian English.

14. What is a ‘platform’ in Indian English?

• In Indian English, a platform refers to a pavement or sidewalk.

15. Which American English grammar differs from British English?

• American English uses “Have you gotten?” instead of “Have you got?”

Medium Questions with Answers

1. How did English evolve into a global language?

• English spread through the expansion of the British Empire, colonization, and trade. It absorbed words from different languages and adapted them to its structure. This process gave English a global identity.

2. What changes were made to English in America?

• Americans modified vocabulary, grammar, and spelling to create their distinct version, called American English. Words like ‘color’ replaced ‘colour,’ and ‘garbage’ replaced ‘rubbish.’ These changes reflected their national identity.

3. Why is Indian English distinct from British English?

• Indian English developed its own vocabulary and phrases based on local culture and needs. Words like ‘bandh,’ ‘lakh,’ and ‘godown’ are unique to Indian English. The grammar also reflects Indian speech patterns.

4. What made English borrow words from other languages?

• English speakers came into contact with other languages through trade, learning, and colonization. Words were borrowed to express new ideas, objects, and concepts. This made English diverse and flexible.

5. What are two main effects of the spread of English?

• The spread of English created new national varieties like American and Australian English. It also gave rise to New Englishes like Indian and Nigerian English, adapted to local cultures.

6. How is British English different from American English?

• British and American English differ in vocabulary, grammar, and spelling. For example, ‘rubbish’ (British) is ‘garbage’ (American), and ‘colour’ (British) is ‘color’ (American).

7. Why is Received Pronunciation important?

• Received Pronunciation became the standard accent of British English. It was associated with prestige, education, and proper communication in England.

8. How did colonization influence the English language?

• Colonization introduced English to various regions, where it absorbed local words and phrases. This created new versions of English, enriched with diverse cultural influences.

9. What role does American English play globally today?

• American English is widely used in technology, media, and business. Its simplicity and influence have made it a global form of communication alongside British English.

10. How did British rule impact the use of English in India?

• British rule introduced English as a medium for governance and education in India. It evolved into Indian English, which is used widely today in business, academics, and administration.

Long Questions with Answers

1. How did the borrowing of words shape English?

• The borrowing of words from languages like French, Latin, and Spanish enriched English vocabulary. Words such as ‘guitar,’ ‘ballet,’ and ‘adapt’ reflect its diverse origins. This borrowing habit made English a highly flexible and adaptable language. Its inclusivity is one of the reasons for its global success.

2. Why is Indian English unique compared to other New Englishes?

• Indian English incorporates local vocabulary like ‘lakh’ and ‘bandh’ and has distinct grammar influenced by Indian languages. It also includes cultural expressions like ‘Himalayan blunder’ and ‘pin-drop silence.’ This uniqueness reflects India’s linguistic diversity and English’s adaptability.

3. What are some differences between British and American spelling?

• British English uses ‘colour’ and ‘defence,’ while American English uses ‘color’ and ‘defense.’ These differences emerged to simplify spellings and assert American identity. Such distinctions highlight the evolution of English in different regions.

4. What led to the emergence of New Englishes?

• The global spread of English through trade and colonization introduced it to non-native regions. These areas adapted English to their cultural and linguistic needs. New Englishes, like Indian and Nigerian English, emerged, combining local and British influences.

5. How does English demonstrate global diversity today?

• English exists in national varieties like American and Australian and regional versions like Indian English. It borrows vocabulary and adapts grammar to suit local cultures. This diversity reflects its evolution into a truly global language used in different contexts worldwide.