The debates surrounding 'Standard English', grammar and correctness are as intense today as ever and extend far beyond an academic context. Standard English: the Widening Debate draws together leading international scholars who confront the issues head on. Current debates about the teaching of English in the school curriculum and more general concerns about declining standards of English are placed in a historical, social and international context. Standard English: * traces the notion of 'Standard English' from its roots in the practices of late 17th century grammarians, through succeeding centuries to the present day * explores the definitions of 'Standard English', with particular attention paid to distinctions between spoken and written English * demonstrate that 'Standard English' is viewed very differently in the US and reveals how it is used as a marker for different forms of social discrimination, and draws on similar issues such as the English Only movement and Ebonics. Standard English: the Widening Debate is an accessible, seminal work which clarifies an increasingly confused topic.
It is therefore essential reading for students of English, and English in Education, and will also appeal to anyone with an active interest in the English Language. Tony Bex, University of Kent at Canterbury Ronald Carter, University of Nottingham Jenny Cheshire, Queen Mary & Westfield College Tony Crowley, University of Manchester