Chapter 16 The Future of English Summary and Analysis

Bryson covers many of the modern discussions on the status of English and its future role in the world. One of the main issues is the English-only movement in the US that seeks to make English the official language and limit the use of other languages. The reaction to the large and growing Hispanic population of the US prompts this movement, though very little actual change has been made. The other major issue is the fragmenting of different forms of English, such as those of America, England, and Australia. While some believe that these areas will develop mutually unintelligible dialects, Bryson posits that such predictions have been made in the past and that none are likely to come true.

Bryson examines many of the issues in modern day English speaking countries. One of...