Bücher der Reihe Developments in English as a Lingua Franca [DELF]

The use of English as a global lingua franca has given rise to new challenges and approaches in our understanding of language and communication. One area where ELF (English as a lingua franca) studies, both from an empirical and theoretical orientation, have the potential for significant developments is in our understanding of the relationships between language, culture and identity. ELF challenges traditional assumptions concerning the purposed 'inexorable' link between a language and a culture. Due to the multitude of users and contexts of ELF communication the supposed language, culture and identity correlation, often conceived at the national level, appears simplistic and naive. However, it is equally naive to assume that ELF is a culturally and identity neutral form of communication. All communication involves participants, purposes, contexts and histories, none of which are 'neutral'. Thus, we need new approaches to understanding the relationship between language, culture and identity which are able to account for the multifarious and dynamic nature of ELF communication.

ELF (English as a lingua franca) research counters the monocentric view of English based on norms of native speakers of English, and supports any usages reflecting sociopragmatic and pragmalinguistic reality of ELF communication. Such an approach empowers any speakers of English to contemplate their own varieties of English as legitimate, providing them greater options for positive self-identification. Based on qualitative and interpretive methodology, this book illustrates how Japanese L2 English users establish identities related to L2 English as part of their multiple identities, and how they explore new identity options through ELF. Moreover, the author demonstrates how power relations relating to English language are constructed through the participants¿ experiences in ELF interactions. Also, analysis of the data reveals that to what degree the Japanese L2 English users wish to affiliate with particular groups in ELF interactions with people from diverse cultural background.Because of the multidisciplinary nature of the study, this book will appeal to a broad audience such as scholars and students who are interested in further understanding of identity and sociocultural issues involved in intercultural communication.

Examines how theories and principles underlying English as a Lingua Franca studies contribute to research on present pedagogical practices in ELF contexts. This book provides useful insights into pedagogical practices in different ELF settings and knowledge on the pedagogy-policy relationship in terms of ELF.