This readable yet scholarly book tells the fascinating story of the English language in three ways. It traces the history of the language from its obscure beginnings over 1500 years ago. It shows the geographical spread of the language in its increasing diversity. It looks at the present state of English as a global language and problems and uncertainties of its future. It argues that, in spite of the amazing variety and plurality of English, it remains a single language.
Contents: Preface
The Working Tongue of the Global Village
PART 1: HISTORY OF AN ISLAND LANGUAGE
The First 500 Years
1066 and All That
Modern English in the Making
PART 2: THE SPREAD OF ENGLISH AROUND THE WORLD
English Goes to the New World
English Transplanted
English Varieties in the British Isles
American and British English
From Caribbean English to Creole
PART 3: A CHANGING LANGUAGE IN CHANGING TIMES
The Standard Language Today
Linguistic Change in Progress: Back to the Inner Circle
English into the Future
Pronunciation
Notes: Comments and References
References
Index