About

World Englishes: Voices in Canada

 

What is this film about?

English is an international language used by people from diverse backgrounds around the world. Yet, there is a persistent belief that the best forms of English are standardized varieties spoken by native speakers from North America or England. Moreover, these native speakers are often imagined as being white, often leading to forms of accent and/or racial discrimination. This documentary film counteracts these beliefs.

 

Based in Vancouver, Canada, our team of language educators filmed interviews with diverse English speakers originally from various countries. We wish to offer critical perspectives of the interrelationship among language, race, colonialism, and ideologies.

 

Interviewees were asked questions such as the following:

• Do you think the way you use English is different from “standard English”?
• Please tell us what variety of English is “standard English” for you.
• Has anyone ever commented on the way that you (or others like you) speak English?
• Are there any other experiences of using English that you would like to share?

 

What is the aim of this film?

The film aims to develop, assess, and transform viewers’ knowledge of and attitudes toward linguistic and human diversity.

 

How long is the film and how is it organized?

The film consists of the following five episodes with distinct but intertwining themes:

1. Linguistic diversity (07:08)
2. Standard English and the role of English (13:14)
3. Negative experiences (10:30)
4. Language and race (10:25)
5. Embracing diversity (11:38)

 

You can choose to watch a long version with all five episodes combined or each separate episode.

 

What are special features?

Two versions of English subtitles are available: (1) verbatim version and (2) YouTube generated version. The subtitles can be used for multiple purposes, including enhancing comprehension, analyzing linguistic features, or discussion of different forms of transcription.

 

In addition to the videos, this website offers resources for students and teachers to engage with the content for their own learning, pedagogy, and/or reflection.

 

Who should watch these videos?

Anyone interested in the global diversity of English language and English language users. Viewers can be high school students, undergraduate and graduate students, teachers, teacher candidates, teacher educators, staff, or administrators. Relevant disciplines include English, linguistics, applied linguistics, and English language education, but also include any other fields that involve interactions with people from linguistically and racially diverse backgrounds.