The English Languages (Canto) [Paperback]

Tom McArthur (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0521485827 | ISBN-13: 978-0521485821 | Publication Date: April 13, 1998

Hundreds of millions of people use English every day everywhere in the world, but may or may not succeed in understanding each other. Despite the success of its standard form (or forms) in many countries, the complex called "English" is immensely diverse--probably more diverse than any single language has ever been--and is likely to become even more so in the next century. This book is a compelling and broad-ranging invitation to consider the variety, the options and the implications of this vast system. The English Languages looks at the "pluralism" of English, the "Englishes," that have arisen in the past twenty years or so, and addresses the question of whether or not English can be considered a family of languages in its own right, like the Romance languages.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The English Languages is a fascinating book written in a highly user-friendly style." Word

Book Description

With ever expanding networks of communication, and the increasing globalization of 'English', this timely and broad-ranging book looks at just what this complex of language is, and the variety, implications and options of this vast, pluralistic system that incorporates dialects, creoles, and local variations.

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (April 13, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521485827
• ISBN-13: 978-0521485821
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,421,723 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars This is an academic book and an historiographical study, not a phrasebook, April 30, 2007

By 

Uncle Pumblechook (Lexington, KY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The English Languages (Canto) (Paperback)

As the previous review notes, this book is not really a "guide" to the various national varieties of the English language. Nor is it a phrase book. It won't help you very much in your travels.

Rather, this is an historical study about different views on, and attitudes towards, the English language(s). So, for example, McArthur outlines how the English language has come to be periodized ( i.e., as "Old" English, "Middle" English, and "Modern" English). He analyzes different "models" of the language (e.g. "container" models, "organic" models) and how it is viewed globally (as different national "Englishes," or as off-shoots of British or American, or as various regional English standards, etc.). And he critically investigates the unique position of Scots English (dialect of English or separate language?) and the global implications of world English (will English break up into many national languages the way Latin did?).

This is an excellent historiographical survey and it has wonderful excerpts from other sources about the history and contemporary extent of the English language. Taken for what it is intended to be, it's an excellent book. But don't be fooled by the title -- it's not a Berlitz guide.

5 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Intriguing, June 20, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The English Languages (Canto) (Paperback)

This book is an intriguing analysis of the modern situation, wherein disparate dialects of English are evolving into increasingly distinct dialects, arguably distinct languages.

1 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars A bit disappointing, May 3, 2005

By 

Elaine O (Washington DC, US) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The English Languages (Canto) (Paperback)

At first you think that this book is going to give you insight into the stardard language as spoken in Britain, Australia, and so on. There is a lot on diversity but we never quite get to the practical side of things and it is all left a bit unclear. What I needed was a straightforward guide for my work, when I travel on business, so I avoid misunderstandings and get the language right when I talk. It would be really helpful if this author could write a book with a description of the standard language for each country and vocabulary lists for the most usual words. You could then look across. I am going to Australia, then I say this, I am going to Britain, then I say this, and so on.