English is the most widely spoken language in the history of the world. Yet despite its presence in every aspect of our lives, the consequences of its scope and diversity are not widely understood. The course will explore how the spread of the English language worldwide has been shaped by a range of historical, social, and political factors, and how new “Englishes” emerged and developed their own accent(s), vocabulary, and grammar. Students in this course will critically examine key controversial issues such as the persistent exonormative model of Standard English, the ownership of English, the use of English as a global lingua franca, the discourses of postcolonialism, the relationship between language, power and education, the attitudes to and the linguistic rights of non-native speakers of English, and the future of English.
- The History and Development of English: an Overview
- Standards and Standardization
- The Inner , Outer, and Expanding Circles
- English Accents
- Pidgins and Creoles
- Linguistic Imperialism
- English as a Lingua Franca
- Global English and Education
- English in Hong Kong
- The Future of English
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Course Learning Outcomes – On completing the course, students will be able to: |
Alignment with Common Core Programme Learning Outcome(s) |
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1. |
Account for the main aspects of the origins and development of the English language within Britain |
CC PLO(s): 1 |
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2. |
Describe the various roles played by English in a variety of countries and communities, both as a first and a second language. |
CC PLO(s): 1, 2, 3 |
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3. |
Identify and describe differences between varieties of English both within and outside of Britain with respect to accent, vocabulary and grammar. |
CC PLO(s): 1, 2, |
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4. |
Critically reflect on the arguments for and against the use of English as a global lingua franca |
CC PLO(s): 1, 3 |
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5. |
Explain and analyse sociolinguistic phenomena and issues both to academic peers as well as to the wider non-linguistic, non-academic community, in an intelligent, interesting and accessible mode and manner. |
CC PLO(s): 3, 4 |
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6. |
Appraise and respond to the views and presentations of others as found in published texts as well as in class. |
CC PLO(s): 1, 3, 4 |
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Activities |
Number of hours |
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Lectures |
24 |
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Tutorials |
12 |
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Reading / Self-study |
40 |
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Assessment: Presentation (incl preparation) |
15 |
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Assessment: Written assignments |
30 |
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Total: |
121 |
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Assessment Method |
Details of Assignment [Limit: 250 characters] |
Weighting |
Alignment with Course Learning Outcome(s) |
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In-class presentation |
In-class presentation, including question/ answer/ discussion session. |
20% |
CLOs: 1, 2, 3, 4 |
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Tutorial participation |
Tutorial exercises and discussion. |
10% |
CLOs: 1, 2, 3, 4 |
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Written work: |
A short written assignment A term essay |
20% 50% |
CLO: 1, 2, 3, 4 CLO: 1, 2, 4 |
Crystal, D. (2003). English as a global language (2nd edition). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Jenkins, J. (2014). Global Englishes: a resource book for students (3rd edition). Routledge: London.
Specific readings will be recommended throughout the course.