To mark UN English Language Day (23 April), we consider how English became one of the world’s most widely spoken languages. And we find out how a mathematical model developed at the University of Portsmouth might predict its future.

Dr Mario Saraceni, Associate Professor in English Language and Linguistics, explains how English spread and changed around the globe, and why speakers overseas influence how it’s spoken here in the UK.

Dr James Burridge, Associate Professor in Probability and Statistical Physics, reveals how principles of physics and maths help him forecast how certain dialects of English will sound in the year 2066.

We’d love you to be part of the discussion, too. Email your questions on this episode or ideas for future episodes to lifesolved@port.ac.uk.

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Life Solved is released on Thursdays and available on all major podcast platforms.

Host: John Worsey

Producer: Robyn Montague

Sub Editors: Robyn Montague and Glenn Harris

USEFUL LINKS

Dr Mario Saraceni bio: www.port.ac.uk/about-us/structure-and-governance/our-people/our-staff/mario-saraceni

Dr James Burridge bio: www.port.ac.uk/about-us/structure-and-governance/our-people/our-staff/james-burridge

The problem with English: https://aeon.co/essays/how-do-you-decolonise-the-english-language

Ey up northern English to become as lost as the hoddy dod:

www.port.ac.uk/news-events-and-blogs/news/ey-up-northern-english-to-become-as-lost-as-the-hoddy-dod

UN English Language Day:

www.un.org/en/observances/english-language-day

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