Beyond the Three Circles: A New Model for World Englishes

Abstract

Braj Kachru's Three Circles Model (3CM) has been critiqued regarding its effectiveness in describing the situation of English as it exists in the world. But while these critiques are targeted at the model, many of the points raised are amply answered in the larger Kachruvian paradigm, proving the continued relevance of the ideas represented within this paradigm. This begs the question of how effective the 3CM is in representing the ideas behind the Kachruvian paradigm. This thesis delves into this question by looking at the 3CM in detail, its graphical implications as well as its theoretical basis, and compares it to an understanding of the Kachruvian paradigm. From this study of the 3CM, as well as a survey of alternatives, a new model to describe English as it exists in the world, one which may be extended to other languages of wider communication, may then be suggested.