English as a Global Language

Rating:
Summary: too blue-eyed
Review: Crystal's book is the exact counterpart to Phillipson's "Linguistic Imperialism". While the former has been called an "alarmist" (because of his view that English has been used for imperialistic purposes) the latter apparently sees no problem what so ever (and has thus been called "triumphalist"). Crystal seems to suggest that all linguistic cross-cultural problems could be solved if everyone would learn English from an early age onwards. He apparently sees nothing wrong if Asian farmers cannot read the instructions on fertilizer bags because they are in English.

Rather suspiciously, Crystal disregards Phillipson completely in this book. While there are some good arguments against Phillipson, Crystal refuses to enter the debate. More generally, it seems to me that he refuses to deal with the more unpleasant facts of the global spread of English. Better to continue writing about the happy family of English speakers!

The book is thus rather naive in its evaluation of the role, status and attitudes connected with the English language.

For those who would like to read a really damning review I can recommend Phillipson's "Voice in Global English: unheard Chords in Crystal loud and clear." which appeared in Applied Linguistics 20/2: 265-276.

Rating:
Summary: too blue-eyed
Review: Crystal's book is the exact counterpart to Phillipson's "Linguistic Imperialism". While the former has been called an "alarmist" (because of his view that English has been used for imperialistic purposes) the latter apparently sees no problem what so ever (and has thus been called "triumphalist"). Crystal seems to suggest that all linguistic cross-cultural problems could be solved if everyone would learn English from an early age onwards. He apparently sees nothing wrong if Asian farmers cannot read the instructions on fertilizer bags because they are in English.

Rather suspiciously, Crystal disregards Phillipson completely in this book. While there are some good arguments against Phillipson, Crystal refuses to enter the debate. More generally, it seems to me that he refuses to deal with the more unpleasant facts of the global spread of English. Better to continue writing about the happy family of English speakers!

The book is thus rather naive in its evaluation of the role, status and attitudes connected with the English language.

For those who would like to read a really damning review I can recommend Phillipson's "Voice in Global English: unheard Chords in Crystal loud and clear." which appeared in Applied Linguistics 20/2: 265-276.

Rating:
Summary: A BLEAT PLAINTIVE
Review: English as a Global Language. Yes who can dispute it? NO body. David Crystal is 100% right. The spread of this great language around the globe and the growing influence of this language for global communication and link is best exemplified by David Crystal. One such country is India where the English form is Hinglish. Millions speak. My father wrote a book in Hinglish the Indian form of English "A Bleat Plaintive" which he dedicated to Her Majesty the Queen of England in 1999. I am quoting here one verse from the book and how the author narrates and admires English, it is for all the readers to read. How simple it is and how well written you all read and enjoy.

"20. It gobbles in fables, is slick and sleek often,
booms and gooms at times,
Siciliano and volcono combined, Angelic English,
angelica sometimes
Its profiles prolific, angles specific, it is Phil it is
Lit
Blessed and God inspired English is, with diction well knit

By Raja Choudary Sajja.

How come an Indian whose mother tongue is not English can write such a beautiful verse if he did not taste it, drank it? For more verses please read his poetry book 'A Bleat Plaintive' available on Amazon.com.ISBN:1-4116-1492-5

I am sure this Glorious toungue will be the main link of world for generations and generations to come. Prof. David Crystal is right in what he says. Read his book.

Narendra Sajja
Toronto

Rating:
Summary: Concise and well written
Review: This book explores the question of how English came to be the premier international language of our time. Crystal begins with various ways of defining "international language", and he explains how English alone among other widely spoken languages meets all criteria. The book includes numerous maps and descriptions documenting the spread of English throughout former British colonies. It is concise and well written.

Rating:
Summary: Concise and well written
Review: This book explores the question of how English came to be the premier international language of our time. Crystal begins with various ways of defining "international language", and he explains how English alone among other widely spoken languages meets all criteria. The book includes numerous maps and descriptions documenting the spread of English throughout former British colonies. It is concise and well written.