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This book offers insights from a seven-year study into the impact of English as an International Language at a national level, from the effect of rich English input on a previously monolingual people's linguistic repertoire to its effect on the situated language use demanded of speakers who find themselves in a new linguistic environment for which they have not been prepared. The changes described in the book have occurred in a speech community that identifies strongly with the local language, but finds itself increasingly having to use another language to perform daily functions in education and work. Findings describe how the official language and educational policies have not addressed this new linguistic ecology of Iceland. The findings of these studies have larger international practical, educational, empirical, and theoretical implications and should be relevant to anyone interested in in the impact of English as an International Language.
List of contents
Language Development across the Life Span. English in Iceland: From input to output, by Birna Arnbjörnsdóttir and Hafdís Ingvarsdóttir.- The Policies and Contexts that Frame English Education and Use in Iceland by Birna Arnbjörnsdóttir.- English Exposure, Proficiency and use in Iceland by Birna Arnbjörnsdóttir.- English Exposure and Vocabulary Proficiency at the Onset of English Instruction by Ásrún Jóhannsdóttir.- Learning and using English: The views of Learners at the end of Compulsory Education by Hafdís Ingvarsdóttir and Ásrún Jóhannsdóttir.- Academic Vocabulary Proficiency and Reading Comprehension among Icelandic Secondary School Students by Guðmundur Edgarsson.- Perceptions of Relevance of English Education at Secondary School by Anna Jeeves.- Using English at University by Birna Arnbjörnsdóttir.- Simultaneous Parallel Code use by Birna Arnbjörnsdóttir and Hafdís Ingvarsdóttir.- University Instructor's Views on Using Curriculum Materials in English by Hafdís Ingvarsdóttir.-Writing English for Research and Publication Purposes (ERPP): Personal Identity and Professional Voice by Hafdís Ingvarsdóttir and Birna Arnbjörnsdóttir.- Conclusions by Hafdís Ingvarsdóttir and Birna Arnbjörnsdóttir.
Summary
Insights from multilayered mixed method research that maps out the impact of English on a traditionally monolingual society
Queries Iceland's language education policies and whether they serve their purpose as intended
Offers data from tertiary institutions as well as from the workplace
