An Asian Perspective Of English As An International Language

Today in the world of English language teaching and learning, EIL(English as an international language) has been gradually preferred, instead of the traditional ESL(English as a second language) or EFL(English as a foreign language). It is believed that non-native English varieties developed worldwide, such as Indian English and Singapore English, should be as important as the native English varieties, such as American English and British English, and it is rational for decision-makers of a country to choose the right English variety to teach and to learn. This paper is to explore how the English language has adapted itself to Asian cultures to produce different varieties in Asian countries. For these varieties the paper will discuss issues concerning 1) development in the history of the country, 2) their social status and function, 3) their use in education, 4) linguistic characteristics in terms of phonology, vocabulary, syntax, semantics, and discourse. The first chapter presents an overview of English varieties developed in Asia. The second chapter talks about non-native English varieties in South Asia, and the third chapter those in Southeast Asia. After a brief discussion on English variety in Japan, the fourth chapter focuses on China English, an English variety in dispute generated in Chinese culture.