Abstract
<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title> <jats:p>The “Dynamic Model of the evolution of Postcolonial Englishes” is a theoretical framework to account for and explain structural and sociolinguistic similarities observed in the evolution of new varieties of English that have emerged around the globe, spanning many continents and time periods. This article describes the model's core assumptions and components. It assumes a prototypical evolutionary scenario with new varieties evolving over long time periods in the interaction between colonizers and colonized. It posits a unilateral implication of political setting causing, in turn, the interactants' identity projections, sociolinguistic settings, and structural consequences, and it assumes that varieties typically proceed through five subsequent stages associated with distinctive properties. The model has by now been widely accepted; some attempts at testing it, some criticism and follow‐up approaches are also briefly outlined.</jats:p>