Aims and Fit of Module

To focus on  present-day English and explain how it has attained the position of global language (economic and political  factors); 

To map the territory where English is spoken in the world nowadays and focus on a number of varieties; 
To discuss the various frameworks for classifying and describing the varieties of modern-day English (English as L1, L2 and FL, the diasporas, the concentric circles, among others)

To stimulate students to reflect on the issues in international communication derived from the use of  English as a global language (e.g. the globalisation of the media;  the influence of the Internet);

To help students develop a critical understanding of Global English and its impact on cultural  identity and cross-cultural intelligibility;

To be aware of possible differences in world Englishes (inner, outer and expanding circles) in terms of lexico-grammar and phonology.

Learning outcomes

At the conclusion of this module, students should be able to:

reflect critically on  the reasons for the development of English as a global language;explain the dynamics and impact of the expansion  of English, particularly in the post-colonial period; analyse variation in a selection of  world Englishes focusing  on lexical and grammatical items;select and discuss specific issues of linguistic variation in terms of global, cross-cultural intelligibility; 

understand the impact of English on global business and global media;discuss critically relevant influences of Global English  within present-day Chinese culture and society;

Method of teaching and learning

The teaching sessions are divided into two components (Lectures and Tutorials/workshops).


Lectures


Tutorials/ workshops