The course is aimed at illustrating the development and diversification of the English language in its varieties. It is also aimed at shedding light on the factors that have determined the emergence of Englishes in their plurality and at providing insights into linguistic, cultural and ideological issues related to the diverse contexts and uses of Englishes and English as a Lingua Franca (ELF) in the world. Specific attention to African American English will be paid in the second part of the course. Language competence in English to be acquired: C2 level - Common European Framework of Reference for languages.
During the course we will cover and discuss aspects related to the historical evolution of the English language, its spread and its geographical diversification. In the first part of the course, attention will be paid on phenomena of linguistic and cultural context and on processes of language change in the different contexts of use of the English language, including its role as a global language, also within the professional context.
AAVE as a variety of English will be the focus of the second part of the course.
Main Topics of the course:
Key concepts in the study of English(es)
Models for understanding the spread of English
Language contact phenomena: hybridity in World Englishes, English-based pidgins and creoles
English in different areas of the world
English as a global language: English as a Lingua Franca and English as Business Lingua Franca.
AAVE between linguistics and politics
| Author | Title | Publisher | Year | ISBN | Note |
| Tottie, G. | An Introduction to American English | Blackwell | 2002 | ||
| Schneider E. | English Around the World | Cambridge University Press | 2011 | ||
| Spike Lee | Get on the Bus (film) | 1996 | |||
| Wolfram, W. and E.R. Thomas | The Development ofd African American English | Blackwell | 2002 | ||
| Kautzsch | The Historical Evolution of Earlier African American English. | Mouton de Gruyter | 2002 | ||
| Kankaanranta, Anne & Louhiala-Salminen, Leena | "What language does global business speak?" - The concept and development of BELF. Iberica. 26 | 2013 | This is an article published in the journal Ibérica 26 (2013): 17-34 |
Pre-requisite: C2 level language certificate (Common European Framework of Reference), obtained through CLA or through external institutions and validated by the CLA
Type of exam: Oral exam in English. The questions will be on the theoretical issues and examples of English varieties covered in the course. Students should demonstrate metalinguistic awareness, analytical skills and critical thinking.
Students may give, on the day of the exam, a short presentation on a specific topic or variety of English of their choice. Such a presentation will be one of the topics discussed during the exam.
