Varieties of English

Course content

The course addresses a number of different questions relating to the fact that English is the most commonly used language in global communication today. How did English originate and develop in Britain? What lies behind the spread of English to the different continents where it is represented today? What status does English have in linguistic communities around the world? How do varieties of English differ in terms of pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar and spelling? How is the English language changing and developing in the encounter with new technology and globalization processes? What is the connection between language and power, and who is more powerful: native speakers of English or speakers of English as a second or foreign language? What are the attitudes to English as a global language? Is English a useful lingua franca, a linguistic Tyrannosaurus rex, or something in between? What will happen to the English language in the future? These and other questions will be discussed from a primarily sociolinguistic angle. Literary perspectives may, however, also be brought to bear.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

Candidates who have passed this course can

• account for the main aspects of the origins and development of the English language within Great Britain
• account for the various factors that lead to the spread of English to the different continents where it is found today
• account for the various roles played by English in different communities both as a first and a second language
• identify and describe differences between varieties of English both within and outside of Great Britain concerning pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar and orthography

Skills

Candidates who have passed this course can

• discuss the power relationships among native speakers and second language users of English
• account for and reflect upon positive and negative consequences of the status of English as a global language
• assess likely scenarios for the future development of the English language in an age of digitalization and globalization

General competence

Candidates who have passed this course can

• communicate important academic subject matters such as theories, problems and solutions
• exchange opinions and experiences with others with a background in the field
• plan and carry out varied assignments and/or projects over time, in accordance with ethical requirements and principles
• point out shortcomings of existing theoretical frameworks and be able to apply and build on new approaches

Learning methods and activities

Lectures and supervision. Students are required to use the course learning platform regularly.

Students should expect that this 7.5 credit course equates with approximately 10 hours of work per week, including teaching time.

Compulsory assignments

Written work (approx. 1000-1500 words in total). Students with the MLSPRÅK program may be assigned a separate obligatory assignment.

Approved obligatory assignment is valid for 2 semesters (the semester in which the approval is given, plus the following semester).