About English in the world today

How did English become the global force it is today? This unit explores the state and status of English in the world. It looks at the diversity of English around the globe, at how social and political factors influence people's attitudes towards the language, and at the relationship between one's linguistic heritage and sense of identity. After studying this unit you should be able to: understand the diversity of English through history and around the world understand the effect of social and cultural factors on an individuals use of English understand the relationship between a persons linguistic heritage and their sense of identity understand the ways in which different varieties of English in use around the world are categorised.