Understanding English as a Lingua Franca A complete introduction to the theoretical nature and practical implications of English used as a lingua franca.
A clear explanation of the theories and principles underlying English as a Lingua Franca studies and how they relate to other areas of research.
- Part of: Oxford Applied Linguistics
- ISBN: 978-0-19-437500-9
- RRP: £ 32.00
- Pages: 240
- Binding: Paperback
- Dimensions: 234x156 mm
The number of English speakers in the world continues to grow, but the vast majority are non-native speakers using English to communicate with each other, rather than with native speakers.
This book examines the use of English as a Lingua Franca (ELF) from various perspectives. It explores the various ways in which ELF represents a challenge to the predominance of the native-speaker model, as well as its implications for other fields of linguistic research and for English language teaching.
Where to order
Contact your local Oxford office or distributor for information or advice on any of our materials, or to find your local ELT bookseller.Part of... Oxford Applied Linguistics
The core foundations of applied linguistics have long been located in exploring language as it is used in the world and in finding solutions to language-based problems. Modern applied linguistics is interdisciplinary and wide-ranging, being informed by research spanning psycholinguistics, sociolinguistics, education, corpus linguistics, cognitive linguistics, and other areas of the cognitive, learning, and information sciences.
The goal of the OUP Applied Linguistics Series is to influence the quality of language education through publishing and disseminating relevant scholarship and research.
Tab 1
- Gives a clear explanation of the theories and principles underlying ELF studies and how they relate to other areas of research, such as second language acquisition, sociolinguistic variation, and World Englishes
- Accessible and relevant to a wide range of readers: applied linguists (especially sociolinguists), master's students, teacher trainers and teachers, and anybody with an interest in the English language and how it is used worldwide.
- The author is a leading authority in ELF and the book addresses and brings up to date many aspects of her thinking and research in this field.
- The book is grounded in practical research. The author is founding director of the Vienna-Oxford International Corpus of English (VOICE), the first freely-accessible computer-corpus of interactions in English as a lingua franca. Reference is made to this data throughout.
- Includes a final chapter addressing the potential practical implications of work on ELF for English language teaching.
Tab 2
The book consists of eight chapters:
Chapter 1 - What is this thing called English? explores issues of definition, including the key distinction between English as a Foreign Language (EFL) and English as a Lingua Franca (ELF).
Chapter 2 - Assumptions and presumptions discusses the construct of native-speaker authority and the contradictions this entails.
Chapter 3 - Standard English and real English includes an analysis of the notions of 'Nativeness' and 'Foreignness' among different speakers of English
Chapter 4 - Reconceptualizing 'English' includes sections on the sociolingusitics of ELF and on concepts of 'variety' and community in ELF and 'World Englishes'
Chapter 5 - The dynamics of ELF usage looks at the relationship between native-speaker usage patterns and those of ELF speakers, as well as the values attributed to them.
Chapter 6 - Form and function in ELF explores the relationship between ELF and idiomatic language
Chapter 7 - Designing English as an International Language discusses the implications of ELF for language planning. It gives a historical perspective by describing and analysing earlier proposals for defining international versions of English such as 'Nuclear English' and 'Basic English'.
Chapter 8 - ELF and English Language teaching addresses the implications of ELF for teacher education and teaching practice.
