The future of regional Englishes

Authors

B Moore, Australian National University. Australian National Dictionary Centre

Abstract

The author recounts a history of the development of English and its many global dialects. He observes that, in contrast to the first print revolution - brought about by the printing press - which reduced the diversity of English, the second print revolution - brought about by electronic communication and the internet - is expanding it. As Australian English has already done, the new regional dialects of English will develop their own literary traditions and the form of English that the owners of these dialects write and speak will become an essential part of expressing their regional identities. In this environment, the author believes that Australian English will continue to flourish. [Author abstract, ed]

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