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World Englishes Rajend Mesthrie (University of Cape Town)

World Englishes By Rajend Mesthrie (University of Cape Town)

Summary

The spread of English around the world has been and continues to be both rapid and unpredictable. The main focus of this book is on the second-language varieties of English that have developed in the former British colonies of East and West Africa, the Caribbean and South East Asia.

World Englishes Summary

World Englishes: The Study of New Linguistic Varieties by Rajend Mesthrie (University of Cape Town)

The spread of English around the world has been and continues to be both rapid and unpredictable. World Englishes: The Study of New Linguistic Varieties deals with this inescapable result of colonisation and globalisation from a social and linguistic perspective. The main focus of the book is on the second-language varieties of English that have developed in the former British colonies of East and West Africa, the Caribbean, South and South-East Asia. The book provides a historical overview of the common circumstances that gave rise to these varieties, and a detailed account of their recurrent similarities in structure, patterns of usage, vocabulary and accents. Also discussed are debates about language in education, the rise of English in China and Western Europe, and other current developments in a world of global travel and migration.

World Englishes Reviews

'... an important contribution to the study of English as an international language because it evaluates the evolution of English as it is spoken globally and the linguistic consequences of this process. ... It is wonderfully indexed and there is [a] fine glossary for beginners. As a teaching tool, it is excellent ... the book is well worth purchasing for its comprehensive and scholarly approach to an issue of growing importance.' English International Language Journal
'... this book is a timely and important contribution, identifying and advancing new theoretical perspectives on structures in WEs. ... this is an expert overview of WEs, offering a skilled and timely reorientation towards linguistic theory while maintaining a crisp, accessible style throughout. Well-chosen study questions designed to support the theoretical focus of the book accompany each chapter, and the detailed glossary is an excellent resource. The authors' complementary areas of expertise allow the book to range from subtle structural analysis to dine explorations of sociohistorical processes. To a much greater extent than previous introductory texts, this book contextualizes WEs structures within two theoretical domains in particular - formal linguistic theory and language contact theory.' The Journal of Language in Society
'... the boo includes a wealth of carefully selected data which is presented with authority and clarity in order to focus on the features that are shared by a range of New Englishes, and many readers will find the collation of data analyzed within a range of theoretical approaches useful ... The book therefore offers a concise and well-written overview of issues connected with the description and analysis of World Englishes, and it constitutes a valuable contribution to the growing volume of material in this field.' Journal of Sociolinguistics

About Rajend Mesthrie (University of Cape Town)

Rajend Mesthrie is Professor of Linguistics in the Department of English at the University of Cape Town. Rakesh M. Bhatt is Associate Professor of Linguistics in the Department of Linguistics at the University of Illinois.

Table of Contents

1. History: the spread of English; 2. Structural features of New Englishes I: morphology and phrasal syntax; 3. Structural features of New Englishes II: cross-clausal syntax and syntactic theory; 4. More on structure: lexis, phonology, and optimality syntax; 5. Pragmatics and discourse; 6. Language contact and language acquisition issues in New English research; 7. Conclusion: current trends in the spread of English.

Additional information

GOR003791603
9780521797337
0521797330
World Englishes: The Study of New Linguistic Varieties by Rajend Mesthrie (University of Cape Town)
Used - Very Good
Paperback
Cambridge University Press
20080619
296
N/A
Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
This is a used book - there is no escaping the fact it has been read by someone else and it will show signs of wear and previous use. Overall we expect it to be in very good condition, but if you are not entirely satisfied please get in touch with us

Customer Reviews - World Englishes