The browser you are using is not supported by this website. All versions of Internet Explorer are no longer supported, either by us or Microsoft (read more here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/windows/end-of-ie-support).

Please use a modern browser to fully experience our website, such as the newest versions of Edge, Chrome, Firefox or Safari etc.

Shaping the climate for language shift? English in Sweden's elite domains

På svenska

Author

  • E C Berg
  • Francis Hult
  • K A King

Summary, in English

This paper investigates how & to what degree English is used in specific elite domains in Sweden through analysis of (1) language requirements to participate in undergraduate & graduate programs at competitive institutions, & (2) language qualifications & language use patterns in elite professions. We find that English is used pervasively, but not exclusively. The paper also explores to what extent these language use patterns in elite domains suggest that a language shift toward English in Sweden might take place in the future. Although our data indicate that functional dominance of English is far from complete, we argue the fact that because English holds a prominent position in certain elite domains, it might be significant in influencing language ideology. Furthermore, whereas Sweden cannot presently be characterized as a nation undergoing language shift, the high status of English as the language of international communication & its significance as an important channel of communication in many elite domains are possibly important factors in shaping the climate for language use patterns of the coming decades.

Department/s

Publishing year

2001

Language

English

Pages

305-319

Publication/Series

World Englishes

Volume

20

Issue

3

Document type

Journal article

Publisher

Wiley-Blackwell

Topic

  • Languages and Literature

Keywords

  • English
  • language shift
  • diglossia
  • Swedish

Status

Published

ISBN/ISSN/Other

  • ISSN: 0883-2919