東京大学大学院総合文化研究科
言語情報科学専攻
Language and Information Sciences, University of Tokyo
This course introduces English across different countries via the examination of their social and historical development, along with comparisons and contrasts of their phonological, lexical and grammatical features. We will also examine the politics of English considering social phenomena such as language stigmatization, linguistic imperialism and the rapid spread of institutional English Only policies. This course explores earlier varieties of English, such as American and British, and newer varieties that have emerged, such as Singapore and Indian English. Although speakers can use their own English varieties in ways that maintain mutual intelligibility with English speakers from other countries, each type of English has its own special characteristics and milieus. Additionally, there exists great variation among users who presumably speak the same national dialect of English.
1 - Introduction to the Course; The global spread of English
2 - Models of world Englishes
3 - Native vs Nativized English; Language Shift vs Borrowing; Indian English
4 - Nigerian English
5 - Code switching & Linguistic Prejudice; American Englishes
6 - African American English
7 - Singapore and Malaysian Englishes
8 - The Future of English? Japan – Englishnization at Rakuten and Todai
9 - Linguistic Imperialism
10-15 Presentation/Discussion
Each class will consist of a short lecture followed by a reading or video discussed as a class. The class then will break into small groups to discuss other readings or videos.
In the latter part of the course, you (individually or with another student) will lead a class discussion on an English and/or world English topic of your choice. You will assign a homework assignment consisting of a reading, exercise and/or a set of questions for the class before your presentation day.
Homework assignments may include: assigned reading; problem sets; student submission of texts or short videos to the instructor for use in class; and short writing assignments.
40% Class activities & discussion
40% Two Writing Assignments, 300-500 words each
20% Presentation/Discussion
The instructor will distribute reading materials to the class throughout the term.
Kachru, et al. (2006) The Handbook of World Englishes, Blackwell [HWE]
Kirkpatrick (2007) World Englishes: Implications for International Communication and ELT, Cambridge University Press
Kirkpatrick (2010) The Routledge handbook of world Englishes, Routledge [RHWE]
Phillipson (1992) Linguistic Imperialism, Oxford University Press
Thomason and Kaufman (1988) Language Contact, Creolization, and Genetic Linguistics, UC Berkeley Press.
Trudgill and Hannah (2008) International English: A guide to the varieties of Standard English (5th edition), Routledge.
Although this is a linguistics themed class, prior knowledge of linguistics is not required for the course.
The course will be conducted in English, but depending on the composition of the class, there may be supplemental reading assignments in Japanese.
This class is limited to 20 students. If necessary, selections will be made in the first class.
