Renowned scholar to speak on impact of English language

Renowned scholar to speak on impact of English language

Biodun Jeyifo examines Anglophone positives, negatives

LaToya Toney

Staff Writer

English is the third most widely spoken language in the world, but its universal impact is significant. This year's Tag lecturer Biodun Jeyifo, professor of English at Cornell University, will address the phenomenon in his lecture titled, "On Being Anglophone Now: Meditations on Globalization, Language and Desire."

Originally from Nigeria, Jeyifo is the author of six books, more than 50 articles and the recipient of the Noble Prize. He teaches courses on African, African-American and African-Caribbean literature.

In his lecture, Jeyifo will focus on the positives and negatives of the English language, and its impact in the world.

"The question of language is important," said Seodial Deena, Ph. D., and co-coordinator of the graduate multicultural literature concentration

Deena said English is not just a language, but culture. It has also become a political tool.

This topic will be important to people in humanities, languages, social and natural sciences.

"It is a global world in which we live, and many of us will never visit some of these global hotspots. But when you bring in scholars like this, you have a chance to look at the whole world," Deena said.

The Tag lecture has an interesting history behind its name. Many years ago, an anonymous donor donated money on behalf of a couple named Mr. and Mrs. Tag.

The money was donated to the university to bring in national and international speakers for the scholarship of faculty and students.

The free lecture, sponsored by the Multicultural Graduate Literature Concentration of the English Department, is open to all and begins Thursday at 7 p.m. in 1031 Bate. A reception will follow.

This writer can be contacted at news@theeastcarolinian.com.