The Globalisation of English and the English Language Classroom

The English Language is the medium of globalisation and it is itself deeply affected by globalisation. As a result, the function of English as an international tool for communication needs rethinking in the English Language classroom. The articles of this volume represent different, sometimes controversial perspectives. The contributions cover five domains: 1. Political and Sociocultural Dimensions, 2. Linguistic and Sociolinguistic Exemplification, 3. Teaching and Learning English in a Global Context: 'Old' and 'New' Standards, 4. Learners in Primary, Secondary and Higher Education: Focus on Europe and 5. Teacher Education. The sections provide different focuses and use different approaches to the globalisation of English and its possible consequences for the Language classroom. The English language is the medium of globalisation and it is itself deeply affected by globalisation. As a result, the teaching and learning dimension of English as a tool for global communication needs rethinking - especially in the traditional English language classroom, which is still largely based on Anglo-American language norms and contents. The articles of this volume reflect the ongoing international discussion with regard to the use and acquisition of English in a world-wide context. The contributions cover four essential domains of this discussion: 1. Political, Cultural and Sociolinguistic Dimensions, 2. Teaching and Learning English in a Global Context:'Old'and'New'Standards, 3. Learners in Primary, Secondary and Higher Education: Focus on Europe and 4. Teacher Education. The volume goes beyond the language teaching context and approaches the globalisation of English from several perspectives.