David Lodge's 2004 novel Author, Author is an account of the author Henry James, mixing fact and fiction throughout.

How has the English language influenced your life? How would you define your relationship with English? In this collection these questions are explored by Poet Benjamin Zephaniah, writer Sindiwe Magona, and author Jung Chang amongst others. They discuss the impact of the language; and describe the part English has played in their life. For many of us the language can broaden experiences and opportunities, for others it can create obstacles and become a hindrance. How often do you change they way you speak to adapt to different environments or accommodate other peoples assumptions? Can we get an insight into who people are by how the use grammar and pronounce words? In a series of conversations we’re given access to the varying perspectives on the English language from a range of personal experiences.

This material forms part of The Open University course U214 Worlds of English.

Indian children are under pressure to be able to use English fluently in a political setting.

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Please note: This is course is due to be archived on Wednesday 21st December. You can study the course up until this date. For learners who have completed the course, the Statement of Participation will remain in your learner records in your OpenLearn profile.
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What are the differences between spoken and written English? Is use of grammar more or less complex than it appears? This free course, English grammar in context, looks at the way grammar can be used as a tool for adapting our communications (both written and spoken). This OpenLearn course will help you to see how language is intertwined with both describing a view of the world and interacting with others in that world.

Please note: As part of a review of content, this course will be deleted from OpenLearn on Sunday 5th of September 2021.Even if you feel confident using English in everyday situations, studying in English at higher education level might present extra challenges. This free course, Am I ready to study in English?, provides an opportunity for you to reflect on your English language skills through a series of academic exercises.

Read a great novel and want to explore it further? Check out our free courses on the wonderful world of English literature.

Learn how Edward Lear’s books were printed using the then-innovative technique of lithography.

Dr Daniel Allington thinks loss of diversity has impacted on the development of the English Language the most

Forum member Rob Owen had some questions about how language changes