Great diversity exists in the way English is being used in the world today. It is now not uncommon to hear a Korean and a Brazilian do business in English, or a Syrian and a Norwegian debating politics in an English-speaking chat room. As opportunities to use English increase and evolve, researchers are left with the difficult challenge of…

Suggests that the acrimony of debate on global English is partly explained by a top-down approach taken in much of the research on the topic. Proposes a text-based approach, aimed at examining the particular uses of English lexis in non-English contexts and with a view to observing how these relate to larger-scale issues. (Author/VWL)

Argues that conceptualization of English as an international language must take into account the changes the language has undergone in becoming an international medium of communication and that the diverse cultural identities of teachers of World English serve to enrich the language and reflect changes in it. (MSE)

Discusses David Crystal's book, "English as a Global Language." Highlights the "history" of the dominance of English in the main English-speaking countries, language and global relations, language in education, and language rights. (VWL)

The purpose of this essay is to consider some of the practical implications of Martin Heideger's view that "Language is the house of Being," for the academic study of cultural transformation and intercultural communication. The paper describes the ontological basis of Heidegger's work, and the inquiry into Being, and contains sections on…

This collection of articles, with a developmental learning focus, explores the core building blocks of intercultural communication. The articles in the collection represent the theory-into-practice school of intercultural communication. The collection's goal is to present basic concepts from a variety of perspectives which, when taken together,…

The different concepts underlying the terms "foreign language,""second language," and "native language" are examined in the context of social change that blurs cultural delineations. The implications for language instruction in a variety of contexts and with a variety of objectives are discussed. (MSE)

It is suggested that a policy of multiculturalism is the most appropriate for the United Kingdom as a response to cultural diversity, rather than assimilation or dominant separatism. The long-term outcome will depend on the extent to which linguistic values become shared values. However, it is important that interaction take place for shared…

It is proposed that, when individuals discover their own linguistic potential, they unlock the door to interpersonal and intercultural communication. An illustration: a situation in which young people from eastern and western European countries gather after a film festival to discuss what they have seen and immediately find rapport. (MSE)

The author of an article on the spread and teaching of English as an international language (EIL) replies to others' response to his ideas on the role of English in various international circles, the contexts and patterns of use of English, and English second-language instruction. (MSE)

This guide to adjustment to other cultures is intended for individuals going abroad to live, work, or study or who have contact with expatriates in their own countries. It is written from the perspective that adaptation to the local (foreign) culture is desirable and enhances the experience abroad. The book first looks briefly at some of the…

Discusses two books, "Globalization and Language Teaching," by David Block and Deborah Cameron and "The Sociopolitics of English Language Teaching," edited by Joan Kelly Hall and William G. Eggington. (Author/VWL)

This paper proposes a range of improvements to international science communication. It pictures the contemporary language situation in international scientific communication as well as its recent history with the rise of English as its most notable feature and offers explanations for this development. It discusses in which sciences languages other…

Discussion of the establishment of a single language for Europe's many countries and cultures focuses on the debate over English versus Esperanto as the language of choice. It is argued that the notion that language has not been a major barrier to intellectual exchange is a myth. In addition, while the main European political institutions support…

The European Community is facing the dilemma of respecting and maintaining Europe's traditional national languages and cultures while facilitating communication. This objective can be met by expecting all citizens to speak in their native languages but understand several others, placing emphasis on comprehension in second-language instruction.…