Contemporary British Identity

Against the background of an increasingly multicultural British society, this book traces the evolution of British identity in the 20th century.Debates around British multi-culturalism and multi-ethnic identity are deconstructed through a linguistic lens, which explores the role played by the English language in these debates. Examination of the expansionism of the 19th century British Empire and the rise of the United States to the position of the world's superpower during the 20th century is provided.The book raises questions about the collective ability and willingness to redress the imbalance between the majority white population and the country's marginalised minority ethnic communities. These questions provide enlightening clues to the likely course that the prevailing public discourse on British identity will take in the 21st century.