From English to Englishes

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• different varieties of English and the linguistic heterogeneity of the English-speaking world.
• the status and the role of English in different contexts
• sociolinguistic phenomena such as language contact, diglossia, bilingualism, pidginisatin/creolisation, and code-switching
• the position of English as a world language
• the making of modern-day English and the process of standardisation
• sociolinguistic issues with regard to Standard English
• different conceptions of English, such as English as a foreign language and English as a lingua franca

Subject Specific Practical Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• be more aware when using English of the social meanings that can be attached to speech
• show a greater appreciation of prevailing attitudes towards English by benefiting from an informed position
• access a range of critical materials in the field

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• demonstrate understanding of elements of theory which can be applied to the study of other languages
• work effectively in different modes: carrying out individual research, collaborating with partners, exchanging ideas, presenting findings, and engaging in self-evaluation
• present ideas in a structured, coherent manner

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• reflect on the roles of language users in language standards and language change
• organise and present information in an academic way
• appreciate and critique key notions in the field of World Englishes
• engage with theory on language use and change in relation to English

The module covers the following topics:

• Standard English in Britain
• Linguistic features of English and sociolinguistic conflicts
• Linguistic imperialism vs. sociolinguistic empowerment
• English creativity and legitimacy
• Pidgins and creoles
• English as a lingua franca
• Global Englishes
• The future of English/es

Teaching and learning methods

Teaching methods include

• 1 lecture per week
• 1 seminar per week

The lectures will serve to introduce, analyse and investigate key aspects of sociolinguistics with respect to change and variation in the English language. The weekly seminar will be mostly student-led and will offer an opportunity to discuss key themes through discussion of various activities prepared individually and in groups.

Resources & Reading list

Textbooks

Kachru B.B (1992). The Other Tongue: English across Cultures. Urbana: University of Illinois Press.

Trudgill P. & J. Hannah (2002). International English. London: Arnold.

McArthur T (1998). The English Languages. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Graddol D (1997). The Future of English?. London: British Council.

Crystal D (2003). English as a global language. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Aitchison J (2001). Language Change: Progress or decay?. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Kirkpatrick, A (2010). The Routledge Handbook of World Englishes. London and New York: Routledge.

Sebba M (1997). Contact Languages: Pidgins and Creoles. London: longman.

Jenkins J. (2015). Global Englishes. A resource book for students. London: Routledge.

McKay S (2002). Teaching English as an International Language. Oxford: Oxford University Press..

McKay S (2002). Teaching English as an International Language. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External