Which characteristic is associated with the Circle of World English?

• A. It is prescriptive and ranks varieties.
• B. It endorses a strict global standard.
• C. It ignores non-native varieties.
• D. It is descriptivist, with no inherent hierarchy among varieties.

Answer: (D)

The main idea is that the Circle of World Englishes uses a descriptive view of language variation. It treats English as a global network of varieties, each developed in different communities, with its own norms and functions. There isn’t a single, superior form; no variety is privileged over another. This approach values how people actually use English in different regions and contexts, rather than prescribing one standard for everyone. That’s why this characteristic fits: it’s descriptivist and rejects any inherent hierarchy among varieties.

The other options don’t fit because they imply rules or rankings that the Circle deliberately moves away from. It doesn’t push a single global standard, and it doesn’t ignore or devalue non-native varieties.