232024 Language Diversity in North America (S) (SoSe 2011)

When we look at the English language as it is spoken (and written) all over the world today, we are prompted to look at variation within this language or to compare the different Englishes. Among the most well-known and most important English varieties is American English. Differences between American and British English have been observed and described as far back as the 19th century. However, English in North America also includes other varieties such as Canadian, African American, American Native, Chicano English and Gullah, which are very often neglected in this context. Various settlement and immigrant groups as well as the indigenous population shaped and contributed to the language diversity on the North-American continent. In this course, we will have a look at the colonial history (or histories) of North America and the impact of the different settlement populations on the English language as it is spoken today. We will also discuss the present (socio-)linguistic situation (for example the languages of minority groups), Canadian bilingualism and the world-wide impact of American English.

Requirements for participation, required level

BaAngBM2 completed!

Bibliography

A reader with the required reading assignments for each session will be made available before start of term.
Please make sure to get your personal copy before our first meeting.