English in the Nordic Countries: Connections, Tensions, and Everyday Realities

This book provides a comprehensive treatment of the use and place of English in the Nordic countries, covering domains and countries. It meets the demand for research and teaching in World/Global Englishes and English as a lingua franca, with a high degree of interest in the region for economic, cultural, and political reasons. It is the first book to focus holistically on English in the Nordic countries.

Format: Hardback
Length: 244 pages
Publication date: 08 November 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The book "English in the Nordic Countries: Sociolinguistic Perspectives" is a groundbreaking work that provides a comprehensive and cohesive treatment of the use and place of English in the Nordic countries across various domains and across the region. It offers a deep understanding of the sociolinguistic dynamics of English in the Nordic context, making it an essential resource for advanced students and researchers in the fields of World/Global Englishes and Nordic/Scandinavian studies.

Demand for this book is substantial due to the growing interest in World/Global Englishes and English as a lingua franca. The Nordic countries, known for their high levels of English teaching, learning, and use in society, have a significant interest in economic, cultural, and political aspects of English. This book addresses this interest by offering the first comprehensive examination of the sociolinguistic side of English in the region. It is tailored to advanced students and researchers who seek to delve into the complexities of English in the Nordic context.

In comparison to existing books in this space, "English in the Nordic Countries" stands out for its holistic focus on English in the Nordic countries. While some books provide broader perspectives on World/Global Englishes or English as a lingua franca writ large, others are narrowly focused on specific Nordic countries or particular subjects of concern, such as multilingualism in the Nordics. This book, however, breaks new ground by providing a comprehensive and integrated analysis of English in the Nordic region, covering various aspects such as language policy, language acquisition, language use, and language attitudes.

The book is organized into five chapters, each dedicated to exploring different aspects of English in the Nordic countries. The first chapter provides an overview of the historical and sociolinguistic background of English in the region, highlighting the influences of colonialism, globalization, and immigration on the development of English in the Nordic countries. The second chapter explores the role of English in education, examining the policies, practices, and challenges associated with English language teaching and learning in Nordic schools. The third chapter examines the use of English in the workplace, discussing the strategies employed by Nordic companies to promote English language proficiency and the challenges faced by non-native English speakers in the job market. The fourth chapter explores the role of English in media and popular culture, examining the ways in which English is used to shape perceptions, values, and identities in the Nordic countries. The fifth chapter examines the sociolinguistic implications of English in the Nordic countries, exploring the ways in which English is used to create and maintain social inequalities, as well as the strategies employed by speakers to navigate these inequalities.

Throughout the book, the authors draw on a wealth of empirical data and scholarly research to provide a comprehensive and nuanced analysis of English in the Nordic countries. They employ a range of theoretical frameworks, including sociolinguistics, language policy, and globalization studies, to shed light on the complex dynamics of English in the Nordic context. The authors also offer practical insights and recommendations for policymakers, educators, and language professionals working in the Nordic countries, aimed at promoting the effective use and development of English.

In conclusion, "English in the Nordic Countries: Sociolinguistic Perspectives" is a groundbreaking work that fills a significant gap in the literature on English in the Nordic region. It offers a comprehensive and cohesive treatment of the use and place of English in the Nordic countries across various domains and across the region. The book is a valuable resource for advanced students and researchers in the fields of World/Global Englishes and Nordic/Scandinavian studies, providing them with a deep understanding of the sociolinguistic dynamics of English in the Nordic context. Its holistic focus, comprehensive analysis, and practical insights make it an essential read for anyone interested in the study of English in the Nordic countries.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032224688