Language Contact and the Future of English

What is it about?

This book reflects on the future of the English language as used by its native speakers, speakers of nativized New Englishes in Africa and Asia, and non-native users of English as a lingua franca (ELF). It considers the effects of language contact on English, past and present, and the reciprocal influence of English on other languages. The volume begins by outlining the current position of English in the world and accounts for the differences among native and nativized varieties and ELF usages. It offers a historical perspective on the impact of language contact on English and discusses whether the lexicogrammatical features of New Englishes and ELF are shaped by imperfect learning or deliberate language change, and whether common lexicogrammatical features of ELF are likely to diffuse into native English. The book also considers the consequences of writing in a second language and questions the extent to which non-native English-speaking speaking academics and researchers should be required to conform to ‘Anglo’ patterns of text organization ‘English Academic Discourse’ when writing in English for a global audience. The book then examines the converse effect English is having on other languages by way of widespread bilingualism and extensive translation. To which the publisher adds: This volume is essential reading for students and scholars in English language, sociolinguistics, language acquisition, and language policy.

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