Imagine driving in South Africa and seeing a road sign that says Robot Ahead. You would likely look around for a human-like robot in front of your car. At first, this might confuse you, but then you would laugh upon learning its true meaning. In South Africa, the word robot is also used to refer to a traffic light. For international visitors, this unique usage may lead to misunderstandings. However, it also serves as an example of how English varies across different regions. This linguistic diversity showcases the richness of World Englishes.

English has become a widely used lingua franca due to its extensive usage and adoption in many countries, allowing individuals who speak different native languages to communicate and understand each other. About 1.75 billion people around the world use English as a useful means of communication, due to the high demand of English in critical fields such as science, technology, business, and entertainment. Moreover, in the digital era, people are exposed to a vast amount of online information and resources in English on a daily basis. These factors have consistently contributed to the widespread use and global influence of the English language. As English ability grows in different nations, various English varieties have emerged worldwide, including Singaporean English, Korean English, Indian English, and others. Previously, British English and American English were considered the standard models. However, it is important to note that American English was initially seen as a regional variation rather than a standard form. As a result, we now refer to the different varieties of English as Englishes, not simply English.

When a language is adopted in a specific region or community, it is natural for it to undergo changes or modifications as the local people utilize the language to more accurately reflect their daily realities and cultural contexts. Linguistic change takes place across various aspects of language, including grammar, pronunciation, vocabulary, and everyday expressions. The change is particularly noticeable in vocabulary. English vocabulary has been modified and new expressions have been created within the different varieties of English. In Indian English, the term prepone was coined to mean to reschedule as the opposite of postpone. For instance, if a meeting scheduled for Thursday is moved to Wednesday, it is considered preponed. Hong Kong English speakers shout add oil to show encouragement or support, a direct translation from a Chinese expression, which originally meant to inject more gasoline into an engine. In the Philippines, there are many houses with dirty kitchens, which are not actually dirty kitchens. Instead, they refer to kitchens outside the home, where most of the cooking takes place to avoid trapping heat and smell inside the house in a hot climate. This evolution allows language to better match up with the everyday experiences and cultural contexts of the communities that utilize it.

As these English expressions are widely used locally and gain exposure in other countries, they contribute to the expansion and diversification of the English vocabulary. Moreover, English dictionaries have incorporated words borrowed from foreign languages. Some of the most popular English words borrowed from foreign languages include established terms such as tsunami, emoji, and origami in Japanese. Hygge in Danish and kiosk in Turkish have also gained worldwide currency among English speakers. Recently, as the Korean wave has spread globally, words related to Korean culture such as kimchi, hanbok, kimbab, and hallyu have been added to English dictionaries. More and more Korean words including oppa, noona, mukbang, daebak, and so forth are being added to English dictionaries, resulting in a richer English vocabulary. As words and expressions related to Korean culture are included in English dictionaries, English vocabulary is becoming more diversified and the understanding of Korean culture around the world is deepened, accordingly.

By using English expressions that reflect various cultures, we create chances to deepen our understanding and respect for diversity. This highlights the importance of English speakers being open to others around the world. Accepting the diversity of English allows us to foster a more inclusive language community. In such a community, everyone's voice is valued without bias or stereotypes. English is not the exclusive property of native speakers. Instead, it belongs to anyone who communicates in it. By embracing this idea, we can make English a truly global language.