The Rise of English

In writing this interesting, solid book, Salomone...was well served by her legal background in assessing multiple case studies in which the rise of English is evident as language, law, and politics interact in Europe and in various postcolonial settings. * M. A. Morris, Clemson University, Choice Connect * [A] panoramic, endlessly fascinating and eye-opening book, with an arresting fact on nearly every page. . . . meticulous and nuanced in chronicling the battles being fought over language policy in countries ranging from Italy to Congo, and analyzing the unexpected winners and losers. * Amy Chua, The New York Times * In this relevant, timely historical analysis, [Rosemary Salomone] tackles many of the relevant angles in the 'English only' debate.... A pertinent, accessible study that asks a big question: What language should the world speak? * Kirkus * A dazzling voyage around the globe uncovering how and why English reigns supreme in the modern world—and what it means for countries, markets, and populations. From France to India, then to China and beyond, Rosemary Salomone excavates the law and politics of language beneath sites of cultural, economic, and social contestation. Fascinating, multidimensional and urgent, The Rise of English traverses intellectual terra nova that reveals the blessing and curse of English global domination. Bravo! * Richard Albert, William Stamps Farish Professor in Law and Professor of Government, The University of Texas at Austin * The Rise of English provides an important study of the role of English in society and education. Rosemary Salomone has not only has written a unique comprehensive overview and analysis of the historical, colonial, and current influence of English; she also gives valuable insights to its competitors and to the future dominance of English. * Hans de Wit, Professor Emeritus and Distinguished Fellow, Center for International Higher Education, Boston College * Based on an overwhelming amount of source material, The Rise of English by Rosemary Salamone provides a panoramic, tremendously informative and always gripping overview of the supremacy of English in today's world and of the push and pull factors that gave it its unique role as the dominant lingua franca. The book combines a broad scope with a keen eye for detail, guiding the reader through countries and continents, along language policies, legislation, and lawsuits. The ever increasing dominance of English in higher education, Europe's policy of multilingualism, Africa's and India's colonial past, and the advantages of individual and societal bilingualism - these are just a few of the many themes that are covered, authoritatively and eruditely. This book is a really impressive tour de force and reading it a rich and rewarding experience. * Annette de Groot, Professor of Experimental Psycholinguistics, University of Amsterdam * In this penetrating analysis of language policies and practices around the world, Professor Salomone reveals a fundamental paradox. In most nations, multilingualism is the norm and English serves as the lingua franca of commerce for purely pragmatic reasons. Meanwhile, in the United States, language remains mired in ideology and identity politics, producing a monolingual mindset with isolating consequences on the international stage. English dominates and distances at the same time. * Rachel F. Moran, , Distinguished Professor of Law, UC Irvine School of Law * The Rise of English is a highly impressive feat of academic research on the dominant role of the English language across very different sociolinguistic contexts around the globe. Rosemary Salomone's style is remarkable and her comprehensive and creative analyses make the book a must read for a worldwide readership. I have no doubt that this book will become a classic in the field of language policy. * Christine Hélot, Emeritus Professor of English, University of Strasbourg * The rise of English is a complex process, which combines plain domination and voluntary commitment, cultural hegemony and pragmatic considerations, economic imperatives and cosmopolitan dreams. Drawing on evidence from four Continents, Rosemary Salomone masterfully tackles this complexity and shows that building sustainable structures of transnational communication requires fostering multilingualism. * Peter A. Kraus, Professor of Political Science, University of Augsburg *