The Politics of English

The Politics of English: Conflict, Competition, Co-existence explores policies and practices that affect the use and position of English.

The book discusses the ways in which people’s language choices relate to the history, politics, and economies of their local context. Throughout, the focus is on the international nature of English and its use alongside other languages in a range of contexts.

The book covers topical issues including the role that English plays in shaping migratory patterns, the English teaching and publishing industries, and the dominance of English in the global media. Key theoretical concepts are introduced in an accessible manner, and readers are given an in-depth understanding of the roles that English and other languages play as people mediate relationships of competition, conflict and co-existence in today’s globalised world.

Drawing on the latest research and The Open University’s wide experience of writing accessible and innovative texts, this book:

• explains basic concepts and assumes no previous study of English or linguistics

• contains a range of source material and commissioned readings to supplement chapters

• includes contributions from leading experts in their fields including Mona Baker, Jan Blommaert, Deborah Cameron, Guy Cook, John Gray, Frank Monaghan and Naz Rassool

• has an international scope, encompassing examples and case studies from the UK, the USA, Europe, Asia, and Africa

• is illustrated in full colour and includes a comprehensive index.

The Politics of English: Conflict, Competition, Co-existence is essential reading for students of English language studies, and cultural and international studies.