Description

Book Synopsis

English in the World: History, Diversity, Change examines the English language as it has developed through history and is used across the globe today. The first half of the book outlines the history of the language from its fifth-century roots through its development as a national, a colonial, and now a global language. In the second half, the focus shifts to the diversity of the language today.

The book explores varieties of English across the English-speaking world, as well as English-related varieties such as pidgins and creoles. It also examines complex processes of variation, hybridity and change in English, and in the shifting styles of individual speakers. Throughout, the focus is on the international nature of English and its use alongside other languages in a diverse range of communities.

Drawing on the latest research and The Open Universityâs wide experience of writing accessible and innovative texts, this book:

  • explains basic concepts and

    Table of Contents

    Introduction 1. English in the World Today. Philip Seargeant 2. A National Language. Joan Beal 3. A Colonial Language. Dick Leith and Philip Seargeant 4. A Global Language. David Crystal 5. English and Englishes. Jennifer Smith 6. English and Other Languages. Kay McCormick 7. Variation and Change in English. Miriam Meyerhoff and Anna Strycharz Appendix 1: History of English timeline. Appendix 2: A Note on Describing English. Joan Swann

English in the World

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    A Hardback by Philip Seargeant, Mark Sanders

    £126.00

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    RRP £140.00 – you save £14.00 (10%)

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      Book details

      Publisher Taylor & Francis
      Published 22 December 2011
      ISBN-13 9780415674201
      978-0415674201
      ISBN-10 0415674204
      Also in:
      Language teaching theory and methods Sociolinguistics

      Description

      Book Synopsis

      English in the World: History, Diversity, Change examines the English language as it has developed through history and is used across the globe today. The first half of the book outlines the history of the language from its fifth-century roots through its development as a national, a colonial, and now a global language. In the second half, the focus shifts to the diversity of the language today.

      The book explores varieties of English across the English-speaking world, as well as English-related varieties such as pidgins and creoles. It also examines complex processes of variation, hybridity and change in English, and in the shifting styles of individual speakers. Throughout, the focus is on the international nature of English and its use alongside other languages in a diverse range of communities.

      Drawing on the latest research and The Open Universityâs wide experience of writing accessible and innovative texts, this book:

      • explains basic concepts and

        Table of Contents

        Introduction 1. English in the World Today. Philip Seargeant 2. A National Language. Joan Beal 3. A Colonial Language. Dick Leith and Philip Seargeant 4. A Global Language. David Crystal 5. English and Englishes. Jennifer Smith 6. English and Other Languages. Kay McCormick 7. Variation and Change in English. Miriam Meyerhoff and Anna Strycharz Appendix 1: History of English timeline. Appendix 2: A Note on Describing English. Joan Swann

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