Worlds of English - for iPad/Mac/PC artwork

Worlds of English - for iPad/Mac/PC

8 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 13 years ago -

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.

Courses Education education learning communication technology culture terminology expression slang vocabulary politics
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed

Episodes

The Expansion of English in China

March 11, 2011 05:15 - 19 minutes - 202 MB Video

This video looks at the rapid expansion of the use, and teaching of English in China, from the 1970s to present.

Transcript -- The Expansion of English in China

March 11, 2011 05:15 - 31.4 KB application/pdf

Transcript -- This video looks at the rapid expansion of the use, and teaching of English in China, from the 1970s to present.

English in the European Union

March 11, 2011 05:14 - 19 minutes - 216 MB Video

In recent years, English has become increasingly dominant as the language spoken at the European Parliament, in Brussels. This film examines why.

Transcript -- English in the European Union

March 11, 2011 05:14 - 33.2 KB application/pdf

Transcript -- In recent years, English has become increasingly dominant as the language spoken at the European Parliament, in Brussels. This film examines why.

Singlish Controversies

March 11, 2011 05:13 - 13 minutes - 152 MB Video

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 -- Singlish Controversies

March 11, 2011 05:13 - 27.8 KB application/pdf

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.

Cape Town District Six

March 11, 2011 05:12 - 11 minutes - 126 MB Video

Examines the role of English and attitudes to English since the end of Apartheid.

Transcript -- Cape Town District Six

March 11, 2011 05:12 - 25.9 KB application/pdf

Transcript -- Examines the role of English and attitudes to English since the end of Apartheid.