How has the English language spread internationally - and is the worldwide influence of English a cause for celebration or concern? How is it changing in response to social, cultural, and technological developments? ‘Worlds of English’ investigates these notions by looking at the expansion of English in China since the 1970s, how it is now the dominant language used at the European Parliament and how a local vernacular in Singapore, known as 'Singlish' is causing controversy. It also examines the role of, and attitude towards, English since the end of Apartheid.
This material forms part of The Open University course U214 Worlds of English.
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Transcript -- In recent years, English has become increasingly dominant as the language spoken at the European Parliament, in Brussels. This film examines why.
A look at the government of Singapore's attempts to discourage the use of 'Singlish' - a local vernacular that mixes English with dialects of various races that make up Singapore.
Transcript -- A look at the government of Singapore's attempts to discourage the use of 'Singlish' - a local vernacular that mixes English with dialects of various races that make up Singapore.