EIL4402 - Renationalising English: Language, Culture, and Communication

Leader: Dr Farzad Sharifian

Offered

Clayton First semester 2008 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit will provide students with the opportunity to explore the processes that have been involved in renationalisation of English throughout the world. Through a critical analysis of the published literature in the area, students will examine how hegemonic forces and power asymmetries that were originally associated with the spread of English, as an imperialistic language, have eventually been replaced by the reassignment of the "ownership" of English to many other speech communities around the world. This process of renationalisation of English has involved cultural, conceptual, ideological, and communicative restructurings, which are examined in detail in this unit.

Objectives

Upon the successful completion of this unit students will be able to demonstrate:

1. knowledge of the literature regarding the spread of English around the globe,
2. advanced knowledge and understanding of how the process of renationalisation of English provides clues about the relationship between language, culture, conceptualisation, and communication,
3. critical appreciation of the relationship between language, power, and identity.

Assessment

Critical, analytical essay (4000 words) : 35%
Data-based research essay (4000 words) : 35%
Oral presentation and a written report (1000 words (equivalent)) : 20%
Seminar participation : 10%

Contact hours

1 x 2 hour seminar per week