English in Singapore: Modernity and Management

Lisa Lim · Anne Pakir · Lionel Wee

Jun 2010 · Asian Englishes Today Book 2 · Hong Kong University Press

About this ebook

English in Singapore provides an up-to-date, detailed and comprehensive investigation into the various issues surrounding the sociolinguistics of English in Singapore. Rather than attempting to cover the usual topics in an overview of a variety of English in a particular country, the essays in this volume are important for identifying some of the most significant issues pertaining to the state and status of English in Singapore in modern times, and for doing so in a treatment that involves a critical evaluation of work in the field and new and thought-provoking angles for reviewing such issues in the context of Singapore in the twenty-first century. The contributions address the historical trajectory of English (past, present and possible future), its position in relation to language policy and multiculturalism, the relationship between the standard and colloquial varieties, and how English can and should be taught. This book is thus essential reading for scholars and students concerned with how the dynamics of the English language are played out and managed in a modern society such as Singapore. It will also interest readers who have a more general interest in Asian studies, the sociology of language, and World Englishes.

Ratings and reviews

... not a book for the fans of "Fifty Shades of Grey." Although the author writes for an academic audience, the general reader could find some new thought-provoking angles.

About the author

Lionel Wee is an associate professor in the Department of English Language and Literature at the National University of Singapore. He has published extensively on language policy, World Englishes, sociolinguistics and pragmatics. He is an associate editor of the Journal of Sociolinguistics, and sits on the editorial boards of Applied Linguistics and English World-Wide.