The International Cooper Series on English Language and Literature (which appeared from 1956 to 1990 under the title "Cooper Monographs"), usually known as ICSELL, is from 2001 onwards being published by Schwabe. The series is international both in the range of scholars represented in it and in the prominence given to comparative topics from linguistics and literary studies. It encompasses the English language in all its forms and aspects and all genres of literature throughout the English-speaking world. This gives due recognition to the international status of English, something that is particularly evident in Switzerland, and, most appropriately, it is the international nature of the English language that provides the topic for the first volume to appear at the new publishers (Perspectives on English as a World Language).The editors of ICSELL are the professors of English at the University of the city variously known as Basle, Basel and Bâle, and internationally situated on the Rhine at the junction of Switzerland, Germany and France.
English, originally just the language of England, has become the most international of all languages. Along with this expansion has come diversification of its forms and functions, as well as rivalry with other languages. In this volume an attempt is made to present a cross-section of case studies of English as it is used in different parts of the world, showing how varieties of the language differ and under what conditions they are used. The book is aimed at students and general readers as much as specialists, so that its range has been kept within modest proportions; nevertheless it encompasses selected aspects of the types of English found in Scotland, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the Caribbean, Africa, France and Switzerland. In addition, there are papers on the more general issues of learner English, dictionaries for non-major varieties of English, Ogden´s Basic English, and cultural and ideological aspects of English as a world language. The editors believe they have put together a stimulating and informative introduction to this fascinating and rapidly developing field.
English, originally just the language of England, has become the most international of all languages. Along with this expansion has come diversification of its forms and functions, as well as rivalry with other languages. In this volume an attempt is made to present a cross-section of case studies of English as it is used in different parts of the world, showing how varieties of the language differ and under what conditions they are used. The book is aimed at students and general readers as much as specialists, so that its range has been kept within modest proportions; nevertheless it encompasses selected aspects of the types of English found in Scotland, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the Caribbean, Africa, France and Switzerland. In addition, there are papers on the more general issues of learner English, dictionaries for non-major varieties of English, Ogden´s Basic English, and cultural and ideological aspects of English as a world language. The editors believe they have put together a stimulating and informative introduction to this fascinating and rapidly developing field.