The story of English is often presented as one of progress: from a set of Germanic dialects to a fully-fledged national, and international language. The emphasis in this book is on the diversity of English throughout its history and the changing social meanings of different varieties of English.
Topics include:
* the history of English; from old English to the present day
* the development of English as a World Language
* grammar
* accents
* style shifting and code switching
* the notion of good and bad English
The book includes contributions from Nikolas Coupland, David Graddol, Paul Kerswill, Marie-Noelle Lamy, Dick Leith, Donald Mackinnon, Geff Siegal, Joan Swann, Linda Thomas and Susan Wright, as well as readings from a range of sources.

Changing English examines the history of English from its origins in the fifth century to the present day. It focuses on the radical changes that have taken place in the structure of English over a millennium and a half, detailing the influences of migration, colonialism and many other historical, social and cultural phenomena. Expert authors illustrate and analyze dialects, accents and the shifting styles of individual speakers as they respond to changing circumstances. The reader is introduced to many key debates relating to the English language, illustrated by specific examples of data in context.

Including key material retained from the earlier bestselling book, English: History, Diversity and Change, this new book has been thoroughly reorganised and updated with entirely new material. Changing English:

• explains basic concepts, easily located through a comprehensive index
• includes contributions by experts in the field, such as David Crystal, David Graddol, Dick Leith, Lynda Mugglestone and Joan Swann
• contains a range of source material and commissioned readings to supplement chapters.

Changing English makes an essential contribution to the field of English language studies.

This fully updated edition of Redesigning English explores the innovative uses of English from early manuscripts to post-colonial literature, creative writing and developments in new media. Focusing on how English has, and continues to evolve through its global status, there is a strong emphasis on the visual forms of language and communication, and on issues of identity and politics.

New chapters for this edition include:

• what makes English into Art?
• a tongue for sighing
• English manuscripts: the emergence of a visual identity
• English in a globalized world.

This fully updated edition of Redesigning English explores the innovative uses of English from early manuscripts to post-colonial literature, creative writing and developments in new media. Focusing on how English has, and continues to evolve through its global status, there is a strong emphasis on the visual forms of language and communication, and on issues of identity and politics.

New chapters for this edition include:

• what makes English into Art?
• a tongue for sighing
• English manuscripts: the emergence of a visual identity
• English in a globalized world.