Multilingualism in the English-Speaking World: Pedigree of Nations

by Viv Edwards (University of Reading)

• ISBN13: 9780470754764
• ISBN10: 0470754761
• Format: eBook
• Copyright: 2008-04-01
• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

Summary

Multilingualism in the English-Speaking World is the winner of the BAAL Book Prize 2005.Multilingualism in the English-Speaking World: Pedigree of Nations explores the consequences of English as a global language and multilingualism as a social phenomenon. Written accessibly, it explores the extent of diversity in 'inner circle' English speaking countries (the UK, the USA, Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand) and examines language in the home, school, and the wider community. Considers the perspectives of English as a global language as well as multilingualism as a social phenomenon. Written in an accessible style that draws on contemporary real life examples. Examines the everyday realities of people living in 'inner circle' English-speaking countries, such as the UK, USA, Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. Discusses the theoretical issues that underpin current debates, drawing on research literature on societal multilingualism, language maintenance and shift, language policy, language and power, and language and identity.

Table of Contents

Preface

The extent of diversity:

The myth of monolingualism

Roots of diversity

Access to services

Language at home and in school:

Language in the family

Language and education: a history

Language and education in the modern world

Majority speakers and minority languages

Language in the wider community:

Language and the economy

Language and the media

Language and the Arts

Language, diplomacy and defence

Is life really too short to learn German?

References

Index

Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.