Varieties of Modern English : An Introduction

The English language varies in a number of ways, depending on the people who use it, how it is used and in what circumstances.  Varieties of Modern English gives readers the tools needed to understand the diversity of the English language and the issues surrounding it.  The author introduces the key terms and concepts for studying variation related to both users and uses, as well as to illustrate and discuss particular varieties of English.

This text is suitable for undergraduate courses in varieties of English, language variation, sociolinguistics and the history of English.

The ''story'' of English is continually re-told and re-written, as more and more people use the language and have a part in shaping the way it develops.

Varieties of Modern English provides a critical introduction to the study of regional, social, gendered, context- and medium-related varieties of the language, and explores some of the debates concerning the role and impact of English in different parts of the world today.

Beginning by outlining the main types of variation in language, the book focuses on the link between language or dialect and the construction of both group and individual identities. Issues of identity are crucial to chapters on the roots of Modern English, on gender and English, on ethnicity and English and on English as an international language. As well as looking at a range of ''users'' of the language, Davies also explores many of its ''uses'' and modes, including the English of literary texts, advertising, newspaper reporting and commentary, political speeches, email and text messaging.

Written in a discursive, student-friendly style, the book also provides:

* A rich mix of illustrative material

* End-of-chapter Activities and related Comments at the end of the book

* Suggestions for further reading

Varieties of Modern English provides a thought-provoking overview of its subject and will be invaluable reading for students of English Language and Linguistics.