Outer Circle
The "Outer Circle" refers to a concept in linguistics and sociolinguistics that describes the spread and use of languages in regions where they are not native. This term is often associated with the Kachru's Model of World Englishes, which categorizes English into three circles: the Inner Circle, Outer Circle, and Expanding Circle. The Outer Circle includes countries where English is an official language or widely used, such as India, Nigeria, and Singapore.
In the Outer Circle, English often coexists with local languages and may take on unique forms influenced by local cultures and dialects. This results in distinct varieties of English, such as Indian English or Nigerian English, which reflect the linguistic and cultural diversity of these regions.