Data Analysis Exercise

Data Analysis Exercise

Introduction

Almost about fifty years ago the concept of English as a true global language was imply just a theoretical forecast which still remains to be diffuse and vague. However, today the situation seems to be quite different. Nowadays, people in almost every part of the world realize the importance and the significant worth of English and its role in their life; not only for academic purposes but also to facilitate their business goals and other purposes in their life. (Crystal, David. 1997).

Terry Eagleton begins his essay by saying, "In eighteenth century England, the concept of literature was not confined as it sometimes is today 'creative' or 'imaginative' writing. It meant the whole body of valued writing in society: philosophy, history, essays, and letters as well as poems" (Eagleton 15). Therefore, literature did not just mean fictional writing, but a certain type of writing only meant for the elite. Not everyone was able to read this type of high literature. Throughout this essay, Eagleton discusses the rise of English as a language and more importantly as a discipline and area of study. Intitially, English was not privileged in teaching; Latin was. However, as more people began attending the university, English had to be incorporated into the educational system in Britain. English was no longer seen as a subject fit only for women, workers (blue collar) and those wishing to impress the natives of Oxford or Cambridge. Now English was being read in school and English literature (as we understand it today) was being taught. But with this new development, how did the poeple in power choose which texts to use in teaching? Much like today, which texts students have access to depends on what is chosen by the people in power.

Historical Background

The history of English can be described from the arrival of three Germanic tribes to the British Isles in the year 500 BC, Saxons and Jutes crossed the North Sea from what is now known as Denmark and northern Germany. The Angles were named due to their homeland Engle or Angels. They called their own language English word that led to English or English.

Before the arrival of Germanic tribes, the inhabitants of Britain spoke a Celtic language of origin. These people were forced to move to Wales, Cornwall and Scotland, which is why the Celtic was moved quickly. One group migrated to the coast of Brittany, where their descendants, even today, speak Breton language of Celtic origin.

In England, during mid-Victorian period, “utilitarianism and early industrial capitalism were dominant” which created a conflict and a clash between the working class and the nobles. The situation seemed uncontrollable. Matthew Arnold, witnessing the event, believed that it should be the function of the middle-class to educate the working class with “the best culture of their nation” to avoid anarchy. It was then the English literature that provided the 'universal' values which encourage solidarity across classes and shared national identity. Thus, the English started to become patriotic and ...