English as an international language: Implications for interculturalists and language educators

English is the main link language across cultures today. We all gain from the presence of a common code, but the primary benefit lies in the potential for intercultural understanding. This paper discusses the nature of what Smith terms "English as an international language" (EIL): its formal linguistic and culturally based features. It examines the contexts in which EIL is used, and the consequent needs of its users. A shift in the approach to teaching and to using the language for international purposes is proposed, with a new approach informed by language awareness and cultural awareness techniques.

• View at Publisher
• View at Scopus