brokenEnglish

Broken English is a nontechnical, pejorative label used to describe English varieties that diverge from what is considered standard or prestigious by a given speech community. It is often applied to the speech of non-native speakers or language learners, but it can also describe regional dialects that do not align with standard norms. In linguistics, the term is not a formal category; it reflects judgments about accuracy and fluency rather than underlying structure.

Common features attributed to broken English include simplified verb inflection, incorrect or missing articles, misused prepositions, inaccurate word order, and pronunciation that affects intelligibility. These patterns typically arise from first-language transfer, limited exposure, or developmental stages in second-language acquisition, and they vary widely across speakers and contexts.

Social and educational aspects: The term can carry stigma and justify discrimination, yet many such speech patterns are systematic within a speaker's known repertoire. Descriptions emphasizing intelligibility and effective communication are preferred in assessment and teaching. Language education often aims to improve range and precision without erasing a speaker's identity or dialect.

Terminology and attitudes: Some researchers and educators prefer nonstandard English, English as a second or foreign language varieties, or English as used by specific communities, to avoid demeaning connotations. Understanding the distinction between social judgment and linguistic description is central to respectful discussion of language variation.