In this book, Jennifer Jenkins, one of the leading proponents of English as a Lingua Franca, explores current academic English language policy in higher education around the world.

Universities around the world are increasingly presenting themselves as "international" but their English language policies do not necessarily reflect this, even as the diversity of their student bodies grows. While there have been a number of attempts to explore the implications of this diversity from a cultural perspective, little has been said from the linguistic point of view, and in particular, about the implications for what kind(s) of English are appropriate for English lingua franca communication in international higher education.

Throughout the book Jenkins considers the policies of English language universities in terms of the language attitudes and ideologies of university management and staff globally, and of international students in a UK setting. The book concludes by considering the implications for current policies and practices, and what is needed in order for universities to bring themselves in line linguistically with the international status they claim.

English as a Lingua Franca in the International University is an essential read for researchers and postgraduate students working in the areas of Global Englishes, English as a Lingua Franca and English for Academic Purposes.

About the Author
Jennifer Jenkins is Chair of Global Englishes and Director of the Centre for Global Englishes at the University of Southampton, UK.

Reviews

'What is outstanding in this monograph is its comprehensive and absolutely enriching use of examples from Jenkins' diverse data sources. Instead of simply attaching them loosely to one another, each example serves a specific illustrative purpose, enabling the reader to better understand staff and students' perspectives on issues of the English language in higher education policies.' - Sofia Rudige, LINGUIST List

'A much-awaited [book] from which not only students both at undergraduate and postgraduate levels of any disciplines but also academic and administrative staff in HE as well as teachers at all levels, policymakers, international publishers, and examination boards will all greatly benefit.
It is the book that can completely change our way of thinking towards the ownership of English.' - Kumiko Murata, ELT Journal

'This book puts the spotlight on the nature, role and consequences of 'English' in the 'international' university. It provides a welcome focus on debates about what kinds of language and literacy policies should be informing contemporary higher education. An important book for researchers and practitioners alike.' - Theresa Lillis, The Open University, UK

'On reading this book, people will wonder why native English remains so entrenched as the sole standard. The author's call for a complete change of mind-set is compelling...this is a timely and important book.' - Andy Kirkpatrick, Griffith University, Australia

'Jennifer Jenkins offers us a comprehensive and incisive analysis of the complexities of higher education in the global world, with a welcome focus on the burning issues of linguistic and intercultural complexity involved.' - Anna Mauranen, University of Helsinki, Finland

'English as a Lingua Franca is a comprehensive look at an issue within higher education that will only continue to grow with urgency, and serves as an essential read for anyone teaching or studying applied linguistics, world Englishes, ELF, TESOL, or English language policy.' - Sandra Bruce,Graduate Student at University of New Mexico, TESOL International Association

'A valuable and welcome addition to the growing field of ELF. With a multi-method approach to data collection, well designed methodologies and rigorous data analysis, it offers valuable insights into the English language policies of international universities, as well as language attitudes and ideologies from the perspective of university management, staff and students. It also makes a significant contribution to our understanding of ELF and its relevance to academic language policy.' - C.C.M. Sung, Lingnan University, Tuen Mun, Hong Kong, Language and Policy

Book Information
ISBN 9780415684644
Author Jennifer Jenkins
Format Paperback
Page Count 248
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 385g