Introductory description

The English language has become a global phenomenon, with the number of speakers who learn it as a second language outnumbering those who acquire it as a first language. How did this situation develop? What has happened to English as it has internationalised? This module will give you a comprehensive understanding of the global complexity of the English language. You will learn about how it spread, beginning in the early 17th century. You will gain an enhanced awareness of current and historical issues related to its global spread and influence on other languages.

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Indicative topics:

English and other languages in the world today
Linguicide and language ecology
Overview of world varieties of English, and where they came from
English as a Lingua Franca
History of English in North America
History of English in Australia and New Zealand
English in India: from trade to Raj to independence
English in other colonial and post-colonial contexts
Continuing spread? English language learning, teaching and use in the world today
Linguistic imperialism versus demands for English
The future of English

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate understanding of the ways in which languages evolve and change
• Understand processes of standardization, both in relation to English and other languages
• Demonstrate a knowledge of broad trends in the historical development of English in the world
• Understand the way English has been affected by contact with other languages, and how its learning and use can have an impact on other languages

Indicative reading list

Reading lists can be found in Talis

Specific reading list for the module

Research element

In this module, students will engage in and report on interviews, be trained in and engage in library research, and be involved in browsing and closely analysing video samples of different varieties of English from around the world.

Interdisciplinary

The module integrates insights from sociolinguistics, geography, history, literary history, history of linguistics and historical linguistics.

International

Students will gain an awareness of different varieties of and attitudes towards English around the world, including via direct interaction with speakers of English from various countries. They will learn about colonization and its effects in connection with the global spread of English, and gain an increased appreciation of the different uses to which English is put in multilingual contexts.

Subject specific skills

• Develop an understanding of how English has become a global language.
• Develop an enhanced awareness of current issues related to its global spread and influence on other languages.
• Develop a comprehensive understanding of the global complexity of the English language.

Transferable skills

• Develop ability to analyse how English was / is used in different different geographical regions
• Analyse language in general and the English language in particular at every level from the word to its place in society at large.
• Develop a solid grasp of some theories and research findings related to language acquisition, language use and applied linguistics.
• Develop knowledge and understanding of the nature of language and how it is used in communication between people from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
• Develop the ability to learn independently and to gain intellectual breadth and flexibility