English as an International Language: Perspectives and Pedagogical Issues

New Perspectives on Language and Education #11

by Farzad Sharifian (Editor)

The rapid global spread of the English language has serious linguistic, ideological, socio-cultural, political, and pedagogical implications as it creates both positive interactions and negative tensions between global and local forces. Accordingly, debate about issues such as the native/non-native divide, the politics of an international language, communication in a Lingua Franca, the choice of a model for ELT, and the link between English and identity(ies) has stimulated scholarly inquiry in an unprecedented way. The chapters in this volume revisit, challenge, and expand upon established arguments and positions regarding the politics, policies, pedagogies, and practices of English as an international language, as well as its sociolinguistic and socio-psychological complexities.

304 pages, Paperback

First published January 8, 2009

About the author

Farzad Sharifian is Professor and Director of the Language and Society Centre at Monash University, Australia.