Who framed American English?
Writing about the English language in the 20th century, Christian Mair (2006) concluded that “a dispassionate look […] shows that popular discussions hopelessly overemphasize the influence of American English”. In the 21st century, the overemphasis continues in British media and sometimes even British linguistics, amplified through the higher education “impact agenda”. This talk examines the resulting “mini moral panic” about the state of the language and what it can tell us about linguistic identity in modern Britain.
Chowen Lecture Theatre
Brighton and Sussex Medical School (teaching building)
University of Sussex
Brighton
BN1 9PX
This is a free, open lecture – everyone is welcome, but numbers are limited.
Refreshments provided.