English as a World Language (ENGAGE)

The programme covers varieties of English around the world, from taditional English language dialects to more recent post-colonial varieties and English-based pidgin and creole languages. In line with the areas of specialization of the different deparments involved, emphasis is placed on Englihs inAfrica and South and Souteast Asia (in addition to the varieties " closer to home"). The substanive interest of the programme derives from the fact that we are witnessing a major change in the status, funciton, and sturcutre of many of the so-called New Englishes: they undergo a process of nativization during which English gradually shifts from a second to a first language. The approach adopted is both strutural and sociolinguistic, so both language-internal and language-external factors will receive due attention.
The programme is offered by a number of institutions, including the Deparment of English and the Department of Asian and African Studies, with the Department of English taking the main administrative responsibility.