This collection brings together internationally-renowned scholars to discuss the role of British dialects in the genesis and subsequent history of postcolonial Englishes. As a result of colonization, many varieties of English now exist around the world. Considering the input of Scottish, English and Irish dialects, they examine a wide range of Englishes--including those in North and South America, South Africa, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. They also explain why many overseas Englishes still reflect non-standard British usage from the distant past.