English: Language of controversy – for iPod/iPhone
by The Open University
August 12, 2011 11:20 am
Is English a force for good? What have been the ramifications of this language’s dominance in ex colonies and also throughout the world? We debate how local languages have suffered as a result of the spread of English and investigate the consequences of its influence on indigenous communities. Language campaigner Neville Alexander provides a South African perspective on the negative aspects of a language when it begins to represent economic and political power and a panel of linguists debate some of the controversies caused by English and whether they believe it still has a future. This material forms part of The Open University course U214 Worlds of English.
Recent Episodes
Language choice in South Africa
13 years agoTranscript -- Language choice in South Africa
13 years agoThe politics of learning languages in South African society
13 years agoTranscript -- The politics of learning languages in South African society
13 years agoWhy has the rise of English caused so much controversy?
13 years agoTranscript -- Why has the rise of English caused so much controversy?
13 years agoThe position of English today
13 years agoTranscript -- The position of English today
13 years ago