Beginning with a discussion of real-life challenges relating to world Englishes that are faced by language professionals the book explores and illustrates the ways in which the actual use and management of English play an increasingly important role in contemporary globalized society.

Routledge Introductions to Applied Linguistics is a series of introductory level textbooks covering the core topics in Applied Linguistics, primarily designed for those beginning postgraduate studies, or taking an introductory MA course as well as advanced undergraduates. Titles in the series are also ideal for language professionals returning to academic study. The books take an innovative 'practice to theory' approach, with a 'back-to-front' structure. This leads the reader from real-world problems and issues, through a discussion of intervention and how to engage with these concerns, before finally relating these practical issues to theoretical foundations. Additional features include tasks with commentaries, a glossary of key terms, and an annotated further reading section. In this book Philip Seargeant surveys varieties of English existing within the world today, and the debates and controversies surrounding its present forms, functions and status in diverse world contexts. It examines how English has evolved to become a ‘global language’ and looks at the political and cultural history that has influenced this evolution. Beginning with a discussion of real-life challenges relating to world Englishes that are faced by language professionals – particularly in the contexts of language education and language planning – the book explores and illustrates the ways in which the actual use and management of English, as well as the beliefs and ideologies associated with it, play an increasingly important role in contemporary globalized society.

Assuming no prior knowledge, this book offers an accessible overview of English dialects, with activities, study questions, sample analyses, commentaries & key readings. It is structured around four sections: introduction, development, exploration & extension.

Introducing Global Englishes provides comprehensive coverage of relevant research in the fields of World Englishes, English as a Lingua Franca, and English as an International Language. The book introduces students to the current sociolinguistic uses of the English language, using a range of engaging and accessible examples from newspapers (Observer, Independent, Wall Street Journal), advertisements, and television shows. The book: Explains key concepts connected to the historical and contemporary spread of English. Explores the social, economic, educational, and political implications of English’s rise as a world language. Includes comprehensive classroom-based activities, case studies, research tasks, assessment prompts, and extensive online resources. Introducing Global Englishes is essential reading for students coming to this subject for the first time.

English in the World: History, Diversity, Change examines the English language as it has developed through history and is used across the globe today. The first half of the book outlines the history of the language from its fifth-century roots through its development as a national, a colonial, and now a global language. In the second half, the focus shifts to the diversity of the language today. The book explores varieties of English across the English-speaking world, as well as English-related varieties such as pidgins and creoles. It also examines complex processes of variation, hybridity and change in English, and in the shifting styles of individual speakers. Throughout, the focus is on the international nature of English and its use alongside other languages in a diverse range of communities. Drawing on the latest research and The Open University’s wide experience of writing accessible and innovative texts, this book: explains basic concepts and assumes no previous study of English or linguistics contains a range of source material and commissioned readings to supplement chapters includes contributions from leading experts in their fields including Joan Beal, Suresh Canagarajah, David Crystal, Jonathan Hope, Kay McCormick, Miriam Meyerhoff, Rajend Mesthrie, Robert Podesva and Jennifer Smith has a truly international scope, encompassing examples and case studies from the UK and North America, Australia and New Zealand, Europe, Asia, and Africa is illustrated in full colour to bring the fascinating study of the English language alive includes a comprehensive index as well as useful appendices showing the historical timeline of English and a brief introduction to the description of linguistic features English in the World: History, Diversity, Change is essential reading for all students of English language studies.

Provides a ground-breaking attempt to unite discussions on the pedagogical implications of the global spread of English, and lobby for change.

World Englishes, Second Edition provides you with an engaging overview of the global variations in vocabulary, grammar, phonology and pragmatics of English as it is used worldwide. It introduces you to the principles of linguistics variation and provides coverage on the roots of English (including Scots), the spread of English, variation of English as a second language, and trends for the future. Thoroughly updated in line with recent research, World Englishes Second Edition also includes: additional material on small native communities, the anglicization of EU agencies and the effects of media exposure full discussion throughout of internet-mediated communication, such as the language used on Facebook and in chat-roooms descriptions of twenty-first century developing varieties such as China English chapters that begin with a 'focus' question and end with a 'discussion' question to encourage you to reflect on what you are learning, chapter by chapter a revised glossary of technical terms that allows you to revise meanings quickly and easily 20 audio examples of speakers of native and non-native English from all five continents, available for you to download from http://www.routledge.com/cw/melchers/ Offering a thorough and detailed descriptive account of all the main varieties of English across the globe, World Englishes, Second Edition provides a balanced discussion of political issues and the socio-linguistics background to the varieties of English spoken and written, face-to-face, on paper and online, in the twenty-first century. Gunnel Melchers is Professor Emerita, Department of English, Stockholm University. Philip Shaw is Professor, Department of English, Stockholm University.