This book offers a unique insight into the dynamics of the English
language in higher education in Cyprus through the lens of
universities situated on both sides of its geopolitical division. It
takes an original perspective on 'value' in the context of the
sociolinguistics and political economy of English as a global language
and as an apparent commodified entity. The problematic issues of value
as they apply to language are dealt with from Marxist and Bourdieusean
perspectives. The book also offers a helpful critique of the claims of
alternative paradigms of English expansion, such as ELF, and their
shortcomings in respect of the concept of value.
Manuela Vida-Mannl puts forth a critique of the marketization of
English and the complicity of higher education in the reproduction of
linguistic hierarchies and social inequalities in Cyprus and, by
implication, more generally. She presents a conception of English as a
marketable attribute that does not necessarily require competence,
which points to the ongoing imbrication of English in the reproduction
of global structural and social inequality, as it exposes the myth of
class advancement through English.
Building on an extensive study (based on 205 questionnaires and 25
subsequent in-depth ethnographic interviews) and by focusing on the
_value _of English within the unique context of divided Cyprus, this
book uncovers an intriguing perspective on the neoliberal role and
significance of the English language in our globalized world.
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An Investigation of Higher Education in Cyprus
Produktdetaljer
ISBN
9781350230965
Publisert
2021
Utgave
1. utgave
Utgiver
Bloomsbury UK
Språk
Product language
Engelsk
Format
Product format
Digital bok
Forfatter