English: Language of controversy - for iPod/iPhone

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Is English a force for good? What have been the ramifications of this language’s dominance in ex colonies and also throughout the world? We debate how local languages have suffered as a result of the spread of English and investigate the consequences of its influence on indigenous communities. Language campaigner Neville Alexander provides a South African perspective on the negative aspects of a language when it begins to represent economic and political power and a panel of linguists debate some of the controversies caused by English and whether they believe it still has a future. This material forms part of The Open University course U214 Worlds of English.

Episodes

  1. 08/12/2011

    Language choice in South Africa

    Neville Alexander explains how his experience in Robben Island turned him into a campaigner for language rights.

    10 min

  2. 08/12/2011

    Transcript -- Language choice in South Africa

    Transcript -- Neville Alexander explains how his experience in Robben Island turned him into a campaigner for language rights.

  3. 08/12/2011

    The politics of learning languages in South African society

    Neville Alexander discusses his role in English language planning in South Africa.

    10 min

  4. 08/12/2011

    Transcript -- The politics of learning languages in South African society

    Transcript -- Neville Alexander discusses his role in English language planning in South Africa.

  5. 08/12/2011 · VIDEO

    Why has the rise of English caused so much controversy?

    English is championed as an essential tool for participation yet is criticized for causing real social harm.

    13 min

  6. 08/12/2011

    Transcript -- Why has the rise of English caused so much controversy?

    Transcript -- English is championed as an essential tool for participation yet is criticized for causing real social harm.

  7. 08/12/2011

    The position of English today

    A panel of Linguists discuss place of English in an increasingly globalized world.

    25 min

  8. 08/12/2011

    Transcript -- The position of English today

    Transcript -- A panel of Linguists discuss place of English in an increasingly globalized world.

  • 8 Episodes

About

Is English a force for good? What have been the ramifications of this language’s dominance in ex colonies and also throughout the world? We debate how local languages have suffered as a result of the spread of English and investigate the consequences of its influence on indigenous communities. Language campaigner Neville Alexander provides a South African perspective on the negative aspects of a language when it begins to represent economic and political power and a panel of linguists debate some of the controversies caused by English and whether they believe it still has a future. This material forms part of The Open University course U214 Worlds of English.

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