World Englishes: British Isles Volume I

World Englishes is a twelve-volume series, presenting a comprehensive, detailed survey of English as it is spoken all over the world. The volumes are organised into four groups, covering Britain, Europe, America, Africa and Asia, and celebrate English in all its diversity. Volume I is the introductory volume, covering the birthplace of English, the British Isles. Divided into two parts, the first section examines the history and development of the English language; how other languages have affected English and vice versa, the spread of English through Empire, the standardisation of the language through the advent of printing, and English as it is spoken as a mother tongue and a second language. The second section of this volume presents a survey of English as it is currently spoken in England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, the Isle of Man, Scilly Isles and Channel Islands. The chapters contain maps, facts and figures, and a detailed description about English as it is spoken in each region. Lucidly written by international contributors, World Englishes will be an invaluable library resource for undergraduates, postgraduates and academics interested in the diversity of the English language.