Perspectives on English as a World Language

English, originally just the language of England, has become the most international of all languages. Along with this expansion has come diversification of its forms and functions, as well as rivalry with other languages. In this volume an attempt is made to present a cross-section of case studies of English as it is used in different parts of the world, showing how varieties of the language differ and under what conditions they are used. The book is aimed at students and general readers as much as specialists, so that its range has been kept within modest proportions; nevertheless it encompasses selected aspects of the types of English found in Scotland, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the Caribbean, Africa, France and Switzerland. In addition, there are papers on the more general issues of learner English, dictionaries for non-major varieties of English, Ogden´s Basic English, and cultural and ideological aspects of English as a world language. The editors believe they have put together a stimulating and informative introduction to this fascinating and rapidly developing field.