English, more than any other language, is now the language of global communication. The role and status of 
English today is unique, even when considering other ‘world’ languages such as French, German, Spanish, 
and Chinese and Arabic. In the context of English studies especially, it becomes crucial to understand this 
uniqueness and what consequences it has for English, and for other languages.

The course addresses a number of different questions relating to the fact that English is the most commonly 
used language in global communication today. How did English originate and develop in Britain? What lies 
behind the spread of English to the different continents where it is represented today? What status does 
English have in linguistic communities around the world? How do varieties of English differ in terms of 
pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar and spelling? How is the English language changing and developing in 
the encounter with new technology and globalization processes? What is the connection between language and 
power, and who is more powerful: native speakers of English or speakers of English as a second or foreign 
language? What attitudes are there towards English as a global language? Is English a useful lingua franca, a 
linguistic "tyrannosaurus rex", or something in between? What will happen to the English language in the 
future? These and other questions will be discussed from a primarily sociolinguistic angle. Literary 
perspectives may, however, also be brought to bear. 

Other issues that will be considered are:

• In view of the dominant role of English in countries such as Norway, ought English to be regarded as a second or a foreign language in such countries
• Are some varieties of English ‘better’ than others?
• Is it likely that the English language will continue to assert its global dominance, or are there other, alternative scenarios?

Teaching will take place both through lectures, and six discussion groups over the semester. Attendance at 
both is vital. A detailed course/seminar schedule will be made available on Blackboard at the beginning of the 
semester. Attendance in a basic linguistics course, such as ENG 1101 English Linguistics, before or in parallel 
to attending this course is highly recommended.