Global English Archive: Archived Articles

Murder that is a threat to survival
Biodiversity cannot be protected unless language genocide is halted, argues Tove Skutnabb-Kangas
Taken from the Guardian Weekly - Mar 22 2001

A nation divided by one language
Politics still obscure the real debate about the United States’ language policy, says James Crawford
Taken from the Guardian Weekly - Feb 22 2001

Weaving a Web of linguistic diversity
David Crystal explains how the internet is turning out to be a friend to all the world's languages
Taken from the Guardian Weekly - Jan 25 2001

Where English can serve but not empower
Although South Africa's language policy is in crisis, multilingualism must be defended, says Neville Alexander
Taken from the Guardian Weekly - Dec 14 2000

English as an Asian language
It is impossible to identify and isolate an "English" culture that is common to all speakers of English. The cultures represented by Nigerian, Singaporean, Indian, Scottish, Filipino or Australian Aboriginal English are all very different. So, while a language must be linked to a culture, a language is not inextricably tied to one specific culture.
Taken from The Guardian Weekly - Nov 23 2000