English in European Institutions: Some Observations

Authors

  • Ranko Bugarski

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18485/bells.2009.1.6

Abstract

This paper presents a brief and somewhat informal discussion, in part based on participant observation, of the status and use of English in the European Union and the Council of Europe. The linguistic profile of ‘Euro-English’ is commented on, emphasising its nature as a special, partly de-nationalised variety which as such may be acceptable to those involved in the work of European institutions, regardless of their diff erent linguistic backgrounds. The effectiveness of native and non-native English in such contexts is then compared, the conclusion being that the former, while in some general sense ‘better’, is not necessarily advantageous to its speakers but may in fact turn into a disadvantage, depending on the way it is used in large multinational and multilingual organisations.

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Published

2009-11-16

How to Cite

Bugarski, R. (2009). English in European Institutions: Some Observations. Belgrade English Language and Literature Studies, 1(1), 109–117. https://doi.org/10.18485/bells.2009.1.6

Issue

Section

THEORETICAL AND APPLIED LINGUISTICS