From English to Englishes

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

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

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

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

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

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

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

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
• access a range of critical materials in the field
• show a greater appreciation of prevailing attitudes towards English by benefiting from an informed position

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jennifer Jenkins, Will Baker, Martin Dewey (2018). The Routledge Handbook of English as a Lingua Franca. Routledge: Routledge.

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

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