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The aim of this seminar is to look in detail at how English has spread across the globe. We begin with recent theoretical models of postcolonial varieties, such as Schneider’s Dynamic Model. After examining the colonial origins and the evolution of varieties of English, we will analyze their main phonological, lexical and morphosyntactic features, using a wide variety of sources. Particular emphasis will be put on the different types of language contact with indigenous languages and the domains in which English is used alongside other languages (e.g. education, administration, media and literature).
By the end of this seminar, students will be able to:
- explain the development of postcolonial varieties of English using recent theoretical models;
- critically evaluate the historical, political and sociocultural forces that have shaped the spread of English world-wide;
- describe the impact of language contact with indigenous languages on local Englishes;
- identify and compare key linguistic features in World Englishes and develop skills for analyzing the variation of these features;
- critically reflect on the role of English in multilingual contexts.
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