Course Title: World Englishes
DR. MARIA TERESA C. BADILLA
Adjunct Professor
Course Description:
This course examines the global diversity of English, tracing its historical development,
sociolinguistic variation, and cultural contexts. Students will explore the different varieties of
English spoken worldwide, their linguistic features, and the sociopolitical issues surrounding the
spread of English. The course will also address the implications of World Englishes for language
teaching, policy, and identity formation.
Course Objectives:
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
1. Understand the historical and social factors contributing to the spread of English globally.
2. Identify and describe the linguistic features of different varieties of English.
3. Analyze the sociolinguistic and political issues related to World Englishes.
4. Evaluate the implications of World Englishes for language education and policy.
5. Reflect on the role of English in global communication and identity formation.
Weekly Topics, Readings, and Activities:
Week 1: Introduction to World Englishes
Topics: Definition and scope of World Englishes, historical context of English spread.
Readings:
o Kachru, B. B. (1992). "The Other Tongue: English Across Cultures."
(Introduction)
o Crystal, D. (2003). "English as a Global Language." (Chapter 1)
Activities:
o Lecture: Overview of World Englishes.
o Discussion: What are World Englishes? Why study them?
Week 2: Historical Development of English
Topics: Colonialism, trade, and the spread of English; Postcolonial Englishes.
Readings:
o McArthur, T. (1998). "The English Languages." (Chapters 2 and 3)
o Schneider, E. W. (2007). "Postcolonial English: Varieties around the World."
(Introduction)
Activities:
o Lecture: The historical spread of English.
o Group Discussion: Impact of colonialism on the spread of English.
Week 3: Theoretical Frameworks
Topics: Models of World Englishes (Kachru's Three Circles, Schneider's Dynamic
Model).
Readings:
o Kachru, B. B. (1985). "Standards, Codification and Sociolinguistic Realism: The
English Language in the Outer Circle."
o Schneider, E. W. (2007). "Postcolonial English: Varieties around the World."
(Chapter 2)
Activities:
o Lecture: Theoretical frameworks in World Englishes.
o Class Discussion: Applying Kachru’s and Schneider’s models.
Week 4: Linguistic Features of World Englishes
Topics: Phonological, syntactic, and lexical variations.
Readings:
o Mesthrie, R., & Bhatt, R. M. (2008). "World Englishes: The Study of New
Linguistic Varieties." (Chapter 4)
o Wells, J. C. (1982). "Accents of English." (Selected chapters)
Activities:
o Lecture: Linguistic characteristics of different English varieties.
o Phonology Workshop: Analyzing accent features across World Englishes.
Week 5: English in Asia
Topics: Varieties of English in South Asia and Southeast Asia.
Readings:
o Bolton, K. (2008). "English in Asia, Asian Englishes, and the issue of
proficiency."
o Kandiah, T. (1998). "Why New Englishes?"
Activities:
o Lecture: English varieties in Asia.
o Case Study: Comparing Indian English and Singaporean English.
Week 6: English in Africa and the Caribbean
Topics: Varieties of English in Africa and the Caribbean.
Readings:
o Mufwene, S. S. (2001). "The Ecology of Language Evolution." (Chapters on
Africa)
o Allsopp, R. (1996). "Dictionary of Caribbean English Usage." (Selected entries)
Activities:
o Lecture: English varieties in Africa and the Caribbean.
o Group Activity: Examining the influence of African languages on African
Englishes.
Week 7: English in Europe and the Americas
Topics: Varieties of English in Europe and North and South America.
Readings:
o Hickey, R. (2004). "Legacies of Colonial English: Studies in Transported
Dialects."
o Schneider, E. W. (2007). "Postcolonial English: Varieties around the World."
(Chapters on the Americas)
Activities:
o Lecture: English varieties in Europe and the Americas.
o Discussion: The impact of American English on global English.
Week 8: Pidgins and Creoles
Topics: Development and characteristics of English-based pidgins and creoles.
Readings:
o Holm, J. (2000). "An Introduction to Pidgins and Creoles." (Selected chapters)
o Mühlhäusler, P. (1997). "Pidgin and Creole Linguistics." (Selected chapters)
Activities:
o Lecture: Understanding pidgins and creoles.
o Workshop: Analyzing the structure of a Creole language.
Week 9: Sociopolitical Issues and World Englishes
Topics: Language policy, language rights, and the politics of English.
Readings:
o Phillipson, R. (1992). "Linguistic Imperialism." (Selected chapters)
o Pennycook, A. (1994). "The Cultural Politics of English as an International
Language." (Selected chapters)
Activities:
o Lecture: The politics of English.
o Debate: Is English a tool of linguistic imperialism?
Week 10: English and Identity
Topics: Language and identity, multilingualism, and cultural expression.
Readings:
o Jenkins, J. (2007). "English as a Lingua Franca: Attitude and Identity." (Selected
chapters)
o Norton, B. (2000). "Identity and Language Learning: Gender, Ethnicity and
Educational Change." (Selected chapters)
Activities:
o Lecture: English and identity.
o Reflective Essay: How has English influenced your identity?
Week 11: World Englishes and Language Teaching
Topics: Implications for TESOL, teaching standards, and curriculum development.
Readings:
o Matsuda, A. (2012). "Principles and Practices of Teaching English as an
International Language." (Selected chapters)
o Kirkpatrick, A. (2007). "World Englishes: Implications for International
Communication and English Language Teaching." (Selected chapters)
Activities:
o Lecture: Teaching English in a World Englishes context.
o Curriculum Design Project: Developing a lesson plan that incorporates World
Englishes.
Week 12: Future of World Englishes
Topics: The evolving role of English in the global context, emerging trends.
Readings:
o Crystal, D. (2012). "English as a Global Language." (Chapter on future trends)
o Graddol, D. (2006). "English Next."
Activities:
o Lecture: Future trends in World Englishes.
o Panel Discussion: Predicting the future of English.
Assignments and Assessment:
Weekly Reading Reflections: Students will submit brief reflections on the weekly
readings. (20%)
Research Paper: A 15-20 page paper on a topic related to World Englishes. (40%)
Presentations: Students will present their research findings to the class. (20%)
Participation: Active participation in class discussions and activities. (20%)
Required Texts:
Kachru, B. B. (1992). "The Other Tongue: English Across Cultures."
Crystal, D. (2003). "English as a Global Language."
Schneider, E. W. (2007). "Postcolonial English: Varieties around the World."
Mesthrie, R., & Bhatt, R. M. (2008). "World Englishes: The Study of New Linguistic
Varieties."
Supplementary Texts:
Jenkins, J. (2007). "English as a Lingua Franca: Attitude and Identity."
Matsuda, A. (2012). "Principles and Practices of Teaching English as an International
Language."
Kirkpatrick, A. (2007). "World Englishes: Implications for International Communication
and English Language Teaching."
Graddol, D. (2006). "English Next."
Course Schedule:
Weeks 1-4: Introduction and foundational concepts.
Weeks 5-7: Regional varieties of English.
Weeks 8-9: Pidgins, Creoles, and sociopolitical issues.
Weeks 10-12: English and identity, language teaching, and future trends.
