Hundreds of millions of people use English every day everywhere in the world, but may or may not succeed in understanding each other. Despite the success of its standard form (or forms) in many countries, the complex called "English" is immensely diverse--probably more diverse than any single language has ever been--and is likely to become even more so in the next century. This book is a compelling and broad-ranging invitation to consider the variety, the options and the implications of this vast system. The English Languages looks at the "pluralism" of English, the "Englishes," that have...

In this unique and entertaining collection of articles, a noted scholar and compiler of key works of reference reflects on the nature of language, the art of lexicography and the breath-taking developments in communication, the media and information technology in the late twentieth century.
This book ranges widely over three main linked subjects: - Language at large and in particular English, the most widely used language in the history of the world
- The art and study of dictionaries and reference science, embracing all past, present and potential reference materials-from the OED to...

In this unique and entertaining collection of articles, a noted scholar and compiler of key works of reference reflects on the nature of language, the art of lexicography and the breath-taking developments in communication, the media and information technology in the late twentieth century.
This book ranges widely over three main linked subjects: - Language at large and in particular English, the most widely used language in the history of the world
- The art and study of dictionaries and reference science, embracing all past, present and potential reference materials-from the OED to...

Hundreds of millions of people use English every day everywhere in the world, but may or may not succeed in understanding each other. Despite the success of its standard form (or forms) in many countries, the complex called 'English' is immensely diverse - probably more diverse than any single language has ever been - and is likely to become even more so in the next century. This book is a compelling and broad-ranging invitation to consider the variety, the options and the implications of this vast system. The English Languages looks at the 'pluralism' of English, the 'Englishes', that have...

Worlds of Reference is a history of dictionaries, encyclopedias and reference materials.

The most compact, authoritative, single-volume source of information about the English language available, this new edition of the Oxford Companion to the English Language increases coverage of World Englishes and the impact of technological advances on the English language. It is essential for reference and fascinating for browsing.