English as a Global Language

Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

David Crystal's classic English as a Global Language considers the history, present status and future of the English language, focusing on its role as the leading international language. English has been deemed the most 'successful' language ever, with 1500 million speakers internationally, presenting a difficult task to those who wish to investigate it in its entirety. However, Crystal explores the subject in a measured but engaging way, always backing up observations with facts and figures. Written in a detailed and fascinating manner, this is a book written by an expert both for specialists in the subject and for general readers interested in the English language.

Table of contents provided by Syndetics

• Preface
• 1 Why a global language?
• 2 Why English? The historical context
• 3 Why English? The cultural foundation
• 4 Why English? The cultural legacy
• 5 The future of global English
• References
• Index
• List of tables

Reviews provided by Syndetics

CHOICE Review

This is a fascinating and useful book--one for which there will be considerable demand from students and other researchers. Crystal, author or editor of a number of important books on the English language, including the Cambridge Encyclopedia of the English Language (CH, Nov'95), has attempted to answer the question, Why has English become a de facto lingua franca, largely over the past half century? What are the factors in the rise of English to this status, and what are the implications of its relatively new role (which is likely to continue)? Chapters discuss why a global language has emerged (including such factors as the rise of international organizations) and why so recently (largely since the 1950s), the historical context for the expansion of English, its cultural foundations, the cultural legacy involved (including the role of popular media and advertising), and the likely future of global English. Crystal makes good use of maps and diagrams. No prior knowledge of the issues is required; the writing is clear and to the point without talking down. Along the way, Crystal discusses such ironic controversies as that in the US about declaring English the official language--a decision made by many other countries including some that seem unlikely (such as some former colonies of France). Crystal cites previous research and other viewpoints and writers. A model of a readily approachable, brief survey of a complicated topic--a fine introduction for a wide variety of potential users. C. Sterling; George Washington University