English is currently one of the most prominent languages in the world. While it is often referred to as a singular, English is not a monolithic entity: multiple varieties co-exist. Most speakers are familiar with its major varieties, such as the American, British, Canadian and Australian ones. However, there are multiple others: Hong Kong English, Jamaican English, Indian English, Philippine English, and many more. How did all those varieties develop? What is their status? What are their features? How do they relate to each other? Can they be categorized?
In this course, we will consider theoretical and methodological tools that can help answer those questions. We will discuss the linguistic properties and socio-historical background of those multiple varieties of English. We will study various kinds of linguistic data, such as songs, speeches, and interviews. We will also use online resources, namely the Electronic World Atlas of Varieties of English, and the Corpus of Global Web-Based English. These tools are especially useful when comparing varieties, which will be a central part of this course.
In this course, we will consider theoretical and methodological tools that can help answer those questions. We will discuss the linguistic properties and socio-historical background of those multiple varieties of English. We will study various kinds of linguistic data, such as songs, speeches, and interviews. We will also use online resources, namely the Electronic World Atlas of Varieties of English, and the Corpus of Global Web-Based English. These tools are especially useful when comparing varieties, which will be a central part of this course.
- Dozent/in: David CORREIA SAAVEDRA
- Dozent/in: David Correia Saavedra