Functional Variations In English

This volume is a compilation of 21 distinguished chapters, an Introduction, and an Afterword with a thematic focus on the functional variations of English in non-native contexts. Highly acclaimed scholars in the field of (applied) linguistics, bringing their expertise from the core areas of general linguistics, sociolinguistics, psycholinguistics, cognitive linguistics, educational linguistics, and stylistics, address the ways in which English language varies in different contexts. The contributions carefully examine the variations, the complexities and the concerns arising thereof, and explore the resultant pedagogical implications. The volume, in this respect, contributes to an informed process for policy decisions, curriculum design, material development, and most importantly classroom practices based on the ability, feasibility and desirability of English for the users, as a step towards nurturing globally-minded, globally-competent, and globally-functioning individuals. Taking the deliberations through and beyond Kachru’s world Englishes model of three circles, this book is an attempt to: See what the users of English ‘do’ or ‘do not do’ with the language, rather than ‘where’ they come from Create a flexible mindset to enable acceptance and respect for linguistic variations in English usage Promote practical abilities for language and ‘communication management’ Facilitate informed pedagogical practices based on global realities

What factors influence the choice between alternative grammatical structures such as the following: a lit / a lighted cigarette, more full / fuller of convincing arguments, the main thesis of the book / the book's main thesis, take hostage a group of 15 holiday makers / take a group of 15 holidaymakers hostage, conceding that the argument is convincing / conceding the argument to be convincing? This is the central issue explored in this volume, which contains a unique selection of innovative in-depth empirical studies written in a broadly functional framework. The factors investigated include the following: phonological influences (such as the principle of rhythmic alternation and optimal syllable structure), frequency, pervasive semantic and pragmatic aspects (including iconicity, markedness, grammaticalization and typological tendencies), information structure, processing complexity and horror aequi (the avoidance of identity effects).

This text explores ways in which English grammar enables speakers and writers to represent the world, to interact with one another, and to create coherent messages. The hardback edition provides second language teachers with a functional description of English grammar, in which grammar is viewed not as a set of rules but as a communicative resource. It explores ways in which English grammar enables speakers and writers to represent their experience of the world, to interact with one another, and to create coherent messages. Each chapter includes a focus on areas of difficulty for second language learners, numerous authentic examples, tasks that allow the reader to apply the concepts introduced, and discussion questions. A final chapter covers issues in the learning and teaching of grammar, and reviews methodological options for the second or foreign language classroom. Assuming no previous study of linguistics or English grammar, Functional English Grammar is suitable for self-study or as a textbook in teacher education programs.

Standard English draws together the leading international scholars in the field, who confront the debates surrounding 'Standard English', grammar and correctness head-on. These debates are as intense today as ever and extend far beyond an academic context. Current debates about the teaching of English in the school curriculum and concerns about declining standards of English are placed in a historical, social and international context. Standard English: * explores the definitions of 'Standard English', with particular attention to distinctions between spoken and written English * traces the idea of 'Standard English' from its roots in the late seventeenth century through to the present day. This is an accessible, seminal work which clarifies an increasingly confused topic. It includes contributions from: Ronald Carter, Jenny Cheshire, Tony Crowley, James Milroy, Lesley Milroy and Peter Trudgill.

This engaging textbook bridges the gap between traditional and functional grammar. Starting with a traditional approach, students will develop a firm grasp of traditional tools for analysis and learn how SFG (Systemic Functional Grammar) can be used to enrich the traditional formal approach. Using a problem-solving approach, readers explore how grammatical structures function in different contexts by using a wide variety of thought-provoking and motivating texts including advertisements, cartoons, phone calls and chatroom dialogue. Each chapter focuses on a real world issue or problem that can be investigated linguistically, such as "mis"-translation or problems arising from a communication disorder. By working on these problems, students will become equipped to understand and analyze formal and functional grammar in different genres and styles. With usable and accessible activities throughout, Exploring English Grammar is ideal for upper undergraduate and postgraduate students of English language and linguistics.

The chapters in this volume allow readers to develop a broad understanding of the issues around language variation and to recognise pedagogical implications of this work in multilingual contexts. The authors explore how variations in Englishes around the world relate to issues in English language teaching and learning. The English language has always existed alongside other languages. However, the last 200 years have shown a dramatic increase in the range, extent and context of contact between English and other languages. As a result of this contact, we find marked variations in Englishes around the world. The first part includes chapters of importance in studying English language variation in the context of education. The second part builds on an understanding of variation and identifies pedagogical possibilities that respect language variation and yet empower English language learners in diverse contexts.

From within the context of the Principles and Parameters framework put forward by Chomsky and others, Jamal Ouhalla develops the argument that much of what we understand by the term grammar involves functional categories.

This collection of different perspectives on language variation serves as a companion volume to New Ways of Analyzing Variation in English.