An ontological framework is a structured way of understanding English, defining the essential concepts, relationships, and categories of the language. It allows for the analysis of how English works, its dialects, and its use in different contexts.
There are three main perspectives:
Language as an object: English as a system with fixed rules, norms, and vocabulary.
Language as practice: English as something dynamic, changing according to social context and evolving over time.
The difference between Enenglishments and Englishments lies in the focus on process versus state. Enenglishments refers to the processes through which something becomes English, emphasizing the transformation or transition toward what is considered “English.”
On the other hand, Englishments refers to already stabilized states of being English, emphasizing the “being” rather than the “becoming.” Ontologically, it represents conditions that are already recognized as inherently English, without needing to stress the process that led to that point.
The ontological framework distinguishes between Standard English (seen as the “authoritative” form of the language) and various regional, social, and ethnic dialects. This distinction encompasses not only linguistic features such as morphology, syntax, and phonology, but also the broader social and cultural contexts in which these varieties operate. Additionally, it explores the relationship between language and thought, recognizing how different forms of English reflect and shape distinct worldviews and identities.
Language can be viewed through cognitive, expressive, social, and notional (idealized) lenses.
For example, it can be understood as a capacity (a human ability), as a mental system (internal grammar and processing), as a social act (used in interaction), and as an ideal system (a standardized or abstract model of language).
Englishness refers to the cultural identity associated with “being English,” constructed through language, values, literature, and traditions. It encompasses the symbolic and emotional aspects of belonging, often tied to national narratives and historical continuity.
Englishry, on the other hand, refers to the linguistic-discursive system that sustains the notion of “being English.” It includes grammar, vocabulary, discursive practices, and embedded power relations, highlighting how language structures and reinforces cultural identity.
Englishes acknowledges plurality: there are many types of "Englishes" around the world (e.g., Nigerian English, Indian English, etc.), each with its own ontology and ways of expression.
In conclusion, the concept of "Englishes" highlights the diverse and dynamic nature of the English language across different cultures and regions. Each variant of English, shaped by its unique ontological and expressive forms, reflects the social, cultural, and historical contexts in which it evolves. This plurality underscores the richness of English as a global language, continuously adapting and transforming in response to its users.
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