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 (EFL), and ‘Translingua Franca English’ (TFE) as the fluid social processes that include all global uses of English. Students in this course will critically examine this polycentric development of English today and the current academic 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 non-native speakers of English, and the future of English as a global language.

 

English as an international lingua franca; language standards; codification; Nativised English, ‘New’ Englishes, Asian Englishes; post-colonialism; language ideology, ownership and identity; the history of English; pidgin and creole languages; the future of World Englishes

 

1. Demonstrate an awareness of 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 and tutorials 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. In-class activities will provide opportunities for students to engage in exercises, examine case studies and engage in reflection & discussion.

 

• Participation in class activities, discussions, and reflections (40%)
• Individual research project (60%) : (individual) written paper (40%) and abstract (20%)

 

Jenkins, Jennifer. 2015. Global Englishes: A Resource Book for Students (Third Edition). London and New York: Routledge.  (Required textbook; please note this book may be available online, and also as an e-book through various university libraries)

Additional readings will be made available on Moodle. A list of required and recommended readings will be provided.