Description
Book SynopsisAgainst the background of an increasingly diverse British society, this book traces the evolution of British identity in the twentieth century. Debates exploring the nature of Britishness and multiculturalism are here deconstructed through a linguistic lens, which considers the role played by the English language in shaping Britain''s national identity. Within this context, two significant historical events are considered: the expansionism of nineteenth century British Empire, and the subsequent rise of the United States to the position of world superpower. In charting the development of British nationhood over time, the book identifies three contrasting public narratives, each reflecting society''s perceptions of the identity question at particular points in time: a discourse of laissez-faire at the turn of the century; a discourse of multiculturalism in the ensuing decades; and a discourse of integration during the closing years. The book raises fundamental questions about who we are
Table of ContentsContents: Foreword; Preface; Part 1 Language and Identity: Introduction; English language colonisation, de-colonisation and globalisation; Ethnic linguistic minorities. Part 2 Migrants and Public Discourse: 1900s-1950s: a discourse of laissez-faire - preserving the status quo; 1960s-1980s: a discourse of multiculturalism - living with difference; 1990s-2000s: a discourse of integration - sharing common values. Part 3 Conclusion: Contemporary British identity - over 100 years in the making; Bibliography; Index.
