EKIP5010 English in the World: Past, Present and Future (5 op)

Did you know there are more people in the world who speak English as a second/foreign language than as a first language? This course explores how English came to be a ‘world language’, and some of its different varieties around the world. We explore the linguistic features of different varieties of English, and their social significance in each place. We also cover theoretical models of world Englishes, their historical evolution and contemporary use.

• Understand the way English emerged from contact with Old Norse and Norman French
• Identify distinctive grammatical and phonological systems of certain world varieties of English (in order to appreciate a plurality of ‘world Englishes’)
• Analyse debates about the global role of English in e.g. education, business, travel, linguistic imperialism
• Describe current influences on English from around the world, and consider possible future trajectories for the language

A list of literature will be provided at the beginning of the course. Study materials will be provided in Moodle.