Making World English: Literature, Late Empire, and English Language Teaching, 1919-39

This book explores how Global English was invented through battles over word lists and teaching methods in the 1920s and 30s by three key figures from the "Vocabulary Control Movement" - C.K. Ogden,Harold Palmer,and Michael West. It analyzes how conferences in New York and London resolved their conflicts and produced a consolidated, international standard form of English, revealing how these language debates were proxy battles over an idealized global subject.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 296 pages
Publication date: 24 August 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Unveiling the profound influence of literature, late imperialism, and the emergence of novel models of internationalism on the birth of Global English, this book delves into the captivating narratives of three pivotal figures from the "Vocabulary Control Movement" - C.K. Ogden, Harold Palmer, and Michael West. These individuals, driven by their competitive spirits, engaged in fierce battles to secure a significant market share for their respective language teaching systems: Basic English, the Palmer Method, and the New Method. These battles unfolded in the 1920s and 30s, characterized by heated debates over word lists and teaching methodologies.

To unravel the intricate tapestry of this historical era, the book relies on extensive archival research from the Carnegie Corporation, encompassing a comprehensive examination of language teaching across eight global sites. Through meticulous analysis, it sheds light on how a series of conferences held in New York and London ultimately resolved these conflicts, resulting in the establishment of a unified and internationally recognized standard form of English.

This book adopts a postcolonial lens to explore the evolution of the field of English Language Teaching, unveiling the underlying proxy battles that unfolded amidst these linguistic debates. At their core, these conflicts revolved around the creation of an idealized global subject: a cosmopolitan individual who effortlessly traverses the boundaries between tribal and global cultures, proficient in both their mother tongues and an international lingua franca, known as Global English.

To enrich the narrative, the book employs a close reading approach, delving into the primary texts of each of the three key figures and examining the responses of their readers. These readers, drawn from diverse backgrounds, were presented with adaptations of renowned literary texts from writers such as Poe, Dickens, Wordsworth, Milton, and Wells. These literary adaptations played a crucial role in shaping the perception and understanding of English as an international language during the interwar period.

By reclaiming this neglected history, the book offers a fresh perspective on the evolution of English as a global language. It sheds light on the ways in which anti-colonial resistance in the peripheries and transatlantic power struggles in the metropole converged to redefine English as a tool of resistance, empowerment, and cultural exchange. Global English emerged as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of language in the face of historical transformations.

In conclusion, this book serves as a valuable contribution to the field of English Language Teaching, providing a comprehensive exploration of the intricate interplay between literature, late imperialism, internationalism, and the birth of Global English. Through its rich analysis and engaging narrative, it offers a deeper understanding of the historical forces that shaped the language and its role in shaping the world we inhabit today.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350243897