Revisiting World Englishes through tag questions: Linguistic variation in Korean English

This paper challengesthe prevailing illusion in South Korea that American Standard English represents theideal model for language learning. It offers a rationale for moving beyond the dominanceof so-called standard English and addressing the anxiety often associated with speakingnon-standard varieties. Grounded in Kachru’s concept of liberation linguistics and histhree concentric circles, the study critiques the hierarchical structure of this model andcalls for a reimagining of the boundaries between the Inner, Outer, and ExpandingCircles in light of evolving linguistic realities. To support this perspective, the studycompares Langendoen’s Walrus-Alligator data on English tag questions withcorresponding data collected from Korean university students. The findings highlightcritical implications for English education policy in South Korea, calling for a shift awayfrom entrenched linguistic hierarchies toward more pluralistic and inclusiveunderstandings of World Englishes.