Story of English 4: Future of English
Original notes — ready Bihar Board — BSEB • Class 11 • English • Book: Rainbow Bhag-1 (Purani pustak — 2025 se pehle wali)
Future of English — EG's own notes, in simple English
Book: Rainbow Bhag-1 (Purani pustak — 2025 se pehle wali) (BSEB, Class 11) | Story of English 4 | Type: Story of English
This page carries Educational Galaxy's own original notes — a theme-level summary in simple English, not a copy of the textbook. No official textbook PDF is given here.
Diagram (labels are printed on the image): A road splitting into two paths at sunrise — a general picture of English's open future, not a book scene.
Students discussing in class — a general picture of speakers shaping a language's future.
What the chapter is about
What will happen to English? Some say it may decline like Latin, splitting into many separate languages as its varieties grow apart. Others say its varieties may merge into one Global Standard English for travel, press, government and business.
The chapter leaves the question open: the story of English is still being written, by every speaker — including Indian students. Each learner adds to the language's future, just as every generation before added to its past.
What you should learn
English's future is open: it may split like Latin or merge into one global standard — speakers decide.
Key Terms
- Latin — Once a world language, later split into many tongues.
- Global Standard English — One shared world form of English.
- Variety — A distinct national form of English.
- Decline — Slow fall from wide use.
- Evolution — Gradual change over time.
Remember
- Two views: decline like Latin, or one global standard.
- Latin split into Spanish, French, Italian, etc.
- Global Standard could serve travel, press, business.
- The future is uncertain and open.
- Every speaker helps write English's future.
Exam Tip / Common Mistake
Common mistake: picking one future as certain. The chapter says the outcome is UNCERTAIN — give both views.
Chart / Table
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| View 1: decline | Splits like Latin into many tongues |
| View 2: standard | Merges into Global Standard English |
| Uses of standard | Travel, press, government, business |
| Verdict | Uncertain — story still open |
Practice set (try on your own)
- What are the two views of English's future?
Hint: Think about Latin versus global standard. - How did Latin decline?
Hint: Think about splitting into new languages. - What would Global Standard English serve?
Hint: Think about travel, press and business. - Why is the future uncertain?
Hint: Think about a story still being written. - How do students shape English's future?
Hint: Think about every speaker adding to it.
Questions with Answers
- What are the two views of English's future?
One: English may decline like Latin, splitting into separate languages as varieties drift apart. Two: varieties may merge into one Global Standard English. - How did Latin decline?
Latin was once a world language of an empire, but after Rome fell it split into Spanish, French, Italian and other tongues, and Latin itself fell out of common use. - What would Global Standard English be used for?
International travel and tourism, the international press, communication between governments, and multinational business. - Why is the future uncertain?
Because languages evolve with their speakers. No one can know whether splitting or merging will win — the story is still unfolding. - What is the chapter's message to students?
That they are part of the story. Every speaker, including Indian learners, helps decide what English becomes next.
How to use this page: First read the summary, say the key terms in your own words, then try the practice set without looking. Finally check yourself with the questions and answers. Get your answers checked by your teacher or parents.