The Politics of Language

Chapter 10: Global Englishes

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This chapter discussed global Englishes and the factors that influence how different versions of English are perceived including language imperialism and the debate about learning a ‘standard English’ or a variety of Englishes.

Discussion Questions:

What are the two models of learning English and their implications?

Does linguistic insecurity occur in other languages?

What are the political implications of language imperialism for English? Have some areas already reached a certain threshold of language imperialism (English) internationally, such as politics?

Style Guide Questions

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These Style guides, written for the Chicago and APA style outline major parts of speech, important rules, and styles of speaking. Although there are differences between the two guides, both speak of ways to eliminate bias when writing. In the chicago guide, the author mentions how using specific words that should not be used depending on the area of study/context. For example, the author mentions how the word “approximately” should be used over “about” in scientific writing. What words are used over other in your area of study? Have you experienced differences in writing styles due to having a liberal arts experience?

At another point, the author mentions how the singular “they or their” should be excluded when gendered pronouns are avoided, for sentence fluidity’s sake: “Neither is considered acceptable in formal writing…do not use them in a singular sense.” (303). How might this argument be seen differently than an author of a Style Guide on writing?