At the turn of the century, the globalisation of world trade and culture has led to the global spread of English. While the social, political and economic complexities brought about by globalisation have established the contemporary place of English as the world’s primary international language, there are some crucial and controversial issues that need critical analysis, particularly as regards the persistent exonormative model of Standard English, non-standard variations in New Englishes or postcolonial Englishes, the emergent variant forms of ‘glocal’ Englishes in the so-called Expanding Circle, i.e. what is commonly referred to as English as a Lingua Franca (ELF), and ‘Translingua Franca English’ (TFE) as the fluid social processes that include all global uses of English.

The course introduces students to, or expand their knowledge of, the workings of English as a global language in the field of sociolinguistics which, similar to pragmatics, studies language as a social phenomenon by placing language use in real life at centre stage. Specifically, we position the English language at the heart of contemporary language communities which are vastly multilingual and never purely homogeneous as a consequence of globalisation. Linguistic heterogeneity determines everyday language use in multilingual scenarios, one of which is of particular interest to us in that the use of English adapts to local needs of a language community and thus emerges as a distinct variety that distinguishes its speakers from members of other language communities.

In this course, we address some fundamental topics in the sociolinguistics of the English language, examine theories and issues of critical debates on language ideology and identity, and explore methods in conducting sociolinguistic research into the study of different varieties of English. In particular, we will critically examine this polycentric development of English today and the current intellectual debate on the ideology of Standard English, the discourses of postcolonialism, the relationship between language and power, the attitudes to, and the linguistic rights of, speakers of different varieties of English, and the future of English as a global language.

 

English as a global language/English as a lingua franca; language standards; codification; Native Englishes, ‘New’ Englishes, Asian Englishes; post-colonialism; standard language ideology, ownership and identity; the history of English; pidgin and creole languages; attitudes towards ELF; English language teaching; the future of World Englishes

1. Demonstrate an awareness of the impact of globalisation on the major historical, linguistic, economic, educational, sociopolitical developments in the spread of English as a world language; 

2. Critically examine the current debates in the rise of World Englishes especially in the context of postcolonialism in Africa, South and Southeast Asia; 

3. Actively engage in classroom activities by studying key readings and drawing on individual experiences to address the particular topic in hand; 

4. Demonstrate the ability to carry out investigative study of topics regarding Global Englishes and critically assess the materials and themes discussed in the course.

 

Lectures will introduce fundamental concepts and frameworks, including methods for engaging in research, and raise and discuss issues and debates in the field. Some classes will provide opportunities for students to engage in exercises, examine case studies and engage in reflection & discussion.

 

Assessment is by 100% coursework, consisting of:

• Class contribution and participation (20%) 

• Discussion board responses (40%) 

• Research project (group) (40%)

 

A list of required and recommended readings will be provided.