You will be expected to write a 2500-word essay on a topic that is one of the themes in the field of language ideologies. You are encouraged to choose a topic in which you have a particular interest and which you would like to explore in depth. Your precise focus and title can be negotiated with me. Following topics are suggested:
1. Globalisation has been shaping linguists understanding of English. Please evaluate the implications of globalisation for English education in a local context, with the focus on the subject matter of English.
2. In line with multilingualism, language ideologies are a site of struggle among different groups of language users. Please evaluate the applicability of this view to a local context.
3. Please discuss your understanding of what is language and, on the basis of this, provide a critical review of language policy in a local context.
4. Please discuss standard English ideology and its impacts on English education in a local context.
5. A key focus of language ideologies research is on myths about language. Please consider and discuss some myths about language, for example, correctness, authenticity, conformity, intelligibility, nativeness, purity, and so on, on the basis of an understanding of what is language. You are expected to address (one or some of) the myths in which you are interested in a local context.
6. The dominance of English in international communication is criticised as linguistic hegemony, while a different view holds that English is a linguistic resource. What is your position in this debate? Please draw on literature and discuss from a perspective of language ideologies. You are expected to frame your discussion with reference to a local context.
7. Please compare the Official English Movement in native English speaking contexts (e.g. American contexts) and English-medium instruction in non-native English speaking contexts of education (e.g. in a Chinese/Japanese university setting) in terms of language ideologies.
8. Understanding language ideologies can help us understand the development of languages. Please elaborate this point and discuss your view of the future of English from a perspective of language ideologies. Youre encouraged to relate the discussion to a given context.
9. Please discuss the implications of language ideologies for English education in a local context.
10. The spread of English has caused some tensions with other L1 languages in local contexts. Please evaluate the linguistic situation in a local context and discuss relevant issues from a language ideologies perspective.
