Multilingual Development: English in a Global Context

English as a global lingua franca interacts with other languages in multilingual contexts, and this book explores the role of English in these dynamics. It uses case studies of Singapore, Hong Kong, and Dubai to illustrate the use of English in different multilingual urban areas, examining the competing historical assessments and ideological conceptions of monolingualism and multilingualism. It critically appraises the concept of multilingual advantages and studies multilingual cross-linguistic influence in learning English in bilingual heritage contexts. The book also scrutinizes multilingual language policies' impact on attitudes, identities, and investment into languages. It is an essential reading for academic researchers and advanced students of bi- and multilingualism, globalization, linguistic diversity, World Englishes, sociolinguistics, and second/third language acquisition.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 300 pages
Publication date: 05 January 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

English, as a global lingua franca, engages with diverse languages in a multitude of multilingual contexts. Drawing from linguistics, education studies, and psychology, this comprehensive book explores the significance of English within the current linguistic dynamics of globalization. Through the lens of Singapore, Hong Kong, and Dubai, it showcases the diverse ways in which English is utilized in multilingual urban environments. It argues that these places serve as vivid examples of where competing historical narratives, ideologies of monolingualism and multilingualism, and their practical manifestations are most evident. The book critically examines the concept of multilingual advantages and delves into the intricate interplay of multilingual cross-linguistic influence on English learning in bilingual heritage contexts. It also assesses the impact of multilingual language policies on attitudes, identities, and language investment. Written in an engaging and accessible style, this book is a vital resource for academic researchers and advanced students specializing in bi- and multilingualism, globalization, linguistic diversity, World Englishes, sociolinguistics, and second/third language acquisition.

Weight: 451g
ISBN-13: 9781108926089