This book provides a concise and comprehensive exploration of the complex variations to which a language is subject. Unique in its coverage of so many English language topics, the second edition of this popular and well-respected book has been up-dated, revised and significantly enlarged. New to this Edition: takes into account all relevant data and new research such as worries created by the Kingman and Cox reports about the way language is taught or not taught in schools new insights into pidgins and creoles new section on literature in English by writers for whom English is not a native language emphasises new trends in advertising and the media Additional Reading at the end of each chapter has been up-dated