Abdou, Noura

Today different varieties of English are spoken as native, second, and foreign languages in countries all over the world. The aim of this proseminar is to familiarize students with theory and research on the spread and use of English worldwide. The focus will primarily be on “Postcolonial Englishes” (PCEs) in South-East Asia and South Asia. We will consider different approaches to and models of World Englishes and examine the historical and social factors that shaped different varieties of English. Typical linguistic features of individual varieties will be discussed and various text samples will be analyzed.

Requirements: active participation, oral presentation, and term paper (approx. 3200 words.)

Recommended reading:Schneider, Edgar W. 2007. Postcolonial English: Varieties Around the World. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Schneider, Edgar W. 2011. English around the world. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press

As a consequence of the colonial expansion of the British empire, new
varieties of English emerged around the globe. Interestingly enough, the
end of colonial rule did not diminish the importance of English as a
global language, but the opposite is true. It has become an indigenized
language and has developed specific forms and functions in many
countries around the world. It has even become a mother tongue in
several countries including Asia and Africa. It is now the world’s
lingua franca and the language of international communication, commerce,
politics, the media, and so on.


This proseminar aims at familiarizing students with theory and research
on the spread and use of English worldwide. We will basically focus on
Indian English and explore the historical and social factors that shaped
it. Typical linguistic features of Indian English will also be
discussed and various text samples will be analyzed.

Requirements: active participation, oral presentation, and term paper (approx. 3200 words.)