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Is English a force for good? What have been the ramifications of this language’s dominance in ex colonies and also throughout the world?
We debate how local languages have suffered as a result of the spread of English and investigate the consequences of its influence on indigenous communities. Language campaigner Neville Alexander provides a South African perspective on the negative aspects of a language when it begins to represent economic and political power and a panel of linguists debate some of the controversies caused by English and whether they believe it still has a future.
- Duration 1 hour
- Updated Friday 12th August 2011
- Introductory level
- Posted under Languages
Track 1: Language choice in South Africa
Neville Alexander explains how his experience in Robben Island turned him into a campaigner for language rights.
© The Open University 2011
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Tracks in this podcast:
| Track | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Language choice in South Africa | Neville Alexander explains how his experience in Robben Island turned him into a campaigner for language rights. Play now Language choice in South Africa |
| 2 | The politics of learning languages in South African society | Neville Alexander discusses his role in English language planning in South Africa. Play now The politics of learning languages in South African society |
| 3 | Why has the rise of English caused so much controversy? | English is championed as an essential tool for participation yet is criticized for causing real social harm. Play now Why has the rise of English caused so much controversy? |
| 4 | The position of English today | A panel of Linguists discuss place of English in an increasingly globalized world. Play now The position of English today |
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