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The Story of English

  • Watchlist
  • 1986-1986
  • 1 Season
  • PBS
  • Documentary
  • Watchlist

A work of profound scholarship and powerful storytelling from host Robert MacNeil, this classic nine-part PBS series remains one of the great narratives of linguistic studies-and is now available on digitally re-mastered, menu-driven DVD. Steeped in history, geography, sociology, and political drama, The Story of English has little to do with dictionaries, official documents, or highbrow.

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Cast & Crew See All

Robert MacNeil
Self - Presenter
J.L. Dillard
Self - Creole Linguist
Alistair Cooke
Self - Writer and Broadcaster

Season 1 Episode Guide See All

Episode 1

An English Speaking World

60 mins

English is a language spoken by two billion people, perhaps even more. This classic PBS program examines the prevalence of English in the world today and presents a historical overview of its rise. Focusing on the expansion of the British Empire and the emergence of English-language mass media, the program explains how widespread English usage survived Britain's post-WWII decolonization, particularly in India and Africa. It also examines the impact of American-and especially Californian-English, which has arguably become standard. Interviews with William Safire and Gloria Steinem provide insight into Americanization and the linguistic influence of feminism.

Where to Watch

Awards

  • 1987 - Primetime Emmy - Outstanding Individual Achievement - Informational Programming - Writing - winner

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