Is English a force for good? What have been the ramifications of this languageās dominance in ex colonies and also throughout the world?
We debate how local languages have suffered as a result of the spread of English and investigate the consequences of its influence on indigenous communities. Language campaigner Neville Alexander provides a South African perspective on the negative aspects of a language when it begins to represent economic and political power and a panel of linguists debate some of the controversies caused by English and whether they believe it still has a future.
This material forms part of The Open University course U214 Worlds of English.
Title: Transcript -- The position of English today
August 11th, 2011
Transcript -- A panel of Linguists discuss place of English in an increasingly globalized world. Go to Episode
August 11th, 2011
A panel of Linguists discuss place of English in an increasingly globalized world. Go to Episode
August 11th, 2011
Transcript -- English is championed as an essential tool for participation yet is criticized for causing real social harm. Go to Episode
August 11th, 2011
English is championed as an essential tool for participation yet is criticized for causing real social harm. Go to Episode