Changing English, Linguistic Identity and ELT

Authors

John E. Joseph

Publication Date

2000-12-01

Abstract

A crucial part of knowing a language is knowing how to interpret variation- what it means if someone uses one form rather than another to say the same thing. This paper examines four ongoing changes in spoken English, and what it means to be a user of the old form or the new one. We interpret the identity of the people with whom we speak based upon these minor differences, and we often assess the truth or validity of what they are saying based on our assessment. In this sense, the linguistic identity of speakers cannot be separated from the meaning of what they say. The paper goes on to explore some of the implications of these observations for the future development of ELT.

DOI

10.58837/CHULA.PASAA.30.1.3

First Page

30

Last Page

38

Recommended Citation

Joseph, John E. (2000) "Changing English, Linguistic Identity and ELT," PASAA: Vol. 30: Iss. 1, Article 3.
DOI: 10.58837/CHULA.PASAA.30.1.3
Available at: https://digital.car.chula.ac.th/pasaa/vol30/iss1/3