Embedded Files
Preparation work for live session
Preparation work for live session
Last week we encountered some of the many varieties of English that can be found around the world. Today we're going to listen to a talk by David Crystal on the topic of World Englishes, which is concerned with how these varieties came to be and the social contexts within which they thrive.
Before you listen, do a quick internet search to see what you can find out about the speaker, David Crystal. Is he a reliable authority on the subject of language development?
Settlers of strange new lands quickly develop their own varieties of English.
Live session discussion - task review
Live session discussion - task review
In last week's reading class we looked at some of the varieties of English that can be found in the world. How many of them can you remember, and what were their features?
What do we mean by the terms accent and dialect? How do they affect the language?
Compare your answers to the note-taking questions on page 1 of the preparation materials:
How and when did American English develop?
Does Crystal claim that varieties of English emerge from changes in vocabulary or grammar? What examples does he give?
What does Crystal say about being a native speaker of English in a new context such as South Africa?
Is there a variety of English in your home country, in the same way that Crystal talks about South African and Serbian English?
Have you developed an 'English' variety of your own first language since you've been living in the UK?
Live session - critical discussion
Live session - critical discussion
Crystal claims that, as a native English speaker from the UK, he has no advantage over a non-native speaker when it comes to understanding South African English. Do you agree with this statement?
Do you have any equivalents in your language for Crystal's examples?
It was like Clapham Junction in there.
I'm going to Soho.
Turn left at the robot.
Do you think all the varieties of English Crystal mentions should be reflected in academic writing? Would this help to include more people, or would it make things more confusing?
To what extent do you think these other varieties of English should be taught in schools? Is there too much emphasis placed on dominant varieties such as British and American English?
Most countries have their own Clapham Junction.
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