Full Description
Examines the external history, social processes and consequences for language variation and change in English
Covers varieties of English spoken in North America, Australasia, Africa, Asia, Europe and South America, including Pidgins and Creoles
Examines the competing perspectives of English settlers, indigenous and enslaved people who fashion a new English during interactions within colonial communities
Critically examines the politics and ethics of English as the dominant global language today, while glimpsing into the future
The English language has spread across the globe but acquired local characteristics along the way. World Englishes traces the recent history of English, the social forces that contribute to shape the language contact, use, acquisition and attitudes and the ensuing variation in the language. It continues to diversify across space, time and contexts of use, but ongoing interactions among people constrain diversification.Different chapters of World Englishes examine the competing perspectives of English settlers who fashion a new English during interactions in new colonies; of enslaved or economically marginalised people who became native speakers themselves; of colonial subjects who were compelled into using English but then claimed ownership of it; of global citizens who learn and use English today; and of contemporary migrants and digital netizens who blend English into densely multilingual encounters. The book critically examines the politics and ethics of English as dominant global language today, while glimpsing into the future.
Contents
Preface
Chapter 1 - English going global
Chapter 2 - Using English
Chapter 3 - Reshaping English
Chapter 4 - Typical native varieties: the Inner Circle
Chapter 5 - Becoming an English speaker
Chapter 6 - English becoming an Asian and African language: the Outer Circle
Chapter 7 - English without the English
Chapter 8 - New sites of contact - local and global urban migration and the internet
Chapter 9 - Taking stock and looking ahead
References
