The English Languages

Paperback / softback

Main Details

Title The English Languages
Authors and Contributors      By (author) Tom McArthur
SeriesCanto
Physical Properties
Format:Paperback / softback
Pages:272
Dimensions(mm): Height 216,Width 140
Category/Genrelinguistics
ISBN/Barcode 9780521485821
ClassificationsDewey:427
Audience
Tertiary Education (US: College)
General
Illustrations 12 Line drawings, unspecified

Publishing Details

Publisher Cambridge University Press
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publication Date 5 March 1998
Publication Country United Kingdom

Description

Hundreds of millions of people use English every day everywhere in the world, but may or may not succeed in understanding each other. Despite the success of its standard form (or forms) in many countries, the complex called 'English' is immensely diverse - probably more diverse than any single language has ever been - and is likely to become even more so in the next century. This book is a compelling and broad-ranging invitation to consider the variety, the options and the implications of this vast system. The English Languages looks at the 'pluralism' of English, the 'Englishes', that have arisen in the last twenty years or so, and addresses the question of whether or not English can be considered a family of languages in its own right, like the Romance languages.

Reviews

"The English Languages is a fascinating book written in a highly user-friendly style." Word