Step 1: Understand the role of English in these countries.
In the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, English is spoken as a result of British colonialism. It became the dominant language in these regions during the colonial period.
Step 2: Analyze the options.
- (A) foreign language: Incorrect. English is not a foreign language in these countries; it is the primary language spoken.
- (B) colonial language: Correct. English became the primary language in these countries due to British colonization.
- (C) second language: Incorrect. While English is widely spoken as a second language in many countries, it is the primary language in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand.
- (D) native language: Incorrect. While English is native to the UK, in Australia and New Zealand, it is a colonial language.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is "colonial language" because English was introduced and became dominant due to colonial rule.