Bad English: Literature, Multilingualism, and the Politics of Language in Contemporary Britain

Bad English explores the impact of language diversity on contemporary literature in Britain, highlighting writers who engage with English's power and explore linguistic belonging. It argues for literature as a medium to probe linguistic terms and a diverse field of writing defined by its relationship to English.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 296 pages
Publication date: 07 June 2022
Publisher: Manchester University Press

Bad English delves into the profound impact of escalating language diversity, driven by factors such as migration, globalization, and new modes of communication, on contemporary literature in Britain. By examining writers who engage in experimental, playful, and ambivalent approaches to English's power, the book explores the complexities of navigating between different linguistic forms. It argues that literature stands as a vital medium for probing the boundaries of linguistic belonging and for a diverse and expanding field of writing in Britain, characterized by its intricate relationship with English in its institutionalized manifestations.

The book offers fresh interpretations of notable writers, including James Kelman, Tom Leonard, Suhayl Saadi, Raman Mundair, Daljit Nagra, Xiaolu Guo, Leila Aboulela, Brian Chikwava, and Caroline Bergvall. Drawing upon insights from applied linguistics, translation studies, and literary scholarship, Bad English appeals to students and scholars across these disciplines.

Through its comprehensive analysis, Bad English sheds light on the ways in which language diversity shapes the literary landscape, fosters creativity, and challenges traditional notions of language and identity. It serves as a valuable resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in exploring the dynamic interplay between language, culture, and literature in the contemporary world.

Weight: 378g
Dimension: 139 x 216 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526163820