"Two internationally distinguished English language scholars tell the fascinating, improbable saga of English in time and space. They trace the history of the language from its obscure beginnings over 1500 years ago as a collection of dialects spoken by marauding, illiterate tribes. They show how the geographical spread of the language in its increasing diversity has made English into an international language of unprecedented range and variety. They look at the present state of English as a global language and the problems, pressures and uncertainties of its future. They argue that, in spite of the amazing variety and plurality of English, it remains a single language." "English - One Tongue, Many Voices tells its story with the help of maps, diagrams and pictures. The text is interspersed with panels focusing on particular topics of interest, and is followed by notes that give the sources of information, as well as detailed references and indexes."--BOOK JACKET.