English in the world today

How did English become the global force it is today? This free course, English in the world today, explores the status of the language and its worldwide diversity. It looks at how social and political factors influence people's attitudes towards it, and at the relationship between one's linguistic heritage and sense of identity.

• Introduction
• Learning outcomes
• The beginnings of English (Part 1)
• The beginnings of English (Part 2)
• The beginnings of English (Part 3)
• What is English? (Part 1)
• What is English? (Part 2)
• What is English? (Part 3)
• What is English? (Part 4)
• Languages, varieties and dialects
• English through history (Part 1)
• English through history (Part 2)
• English through history (Part 3)
• English through history (Part 4)
• Timeline of the history of English
• Who speaks English? (Part 1)
• Who speaks English? (Part 2)
• Who speaks English? (Part 3)
• Who speaks English? (Part 4)
• Conclusion
• References
• Acknowledgements