Suggests that the acrimony of debate on global English is partly explained by a top-down approach taken in much of the research on the topic. Proposes a text-based approach, aimed at examining the particular uses of English lexis in non-English contexts and with a view to observing how these relate to larger-scale issues. (Author/VWL)

In gatekeeping interviews, candidates must rely on narrative strategies to demonstrate their suitability for a position. This includes the ability to project in their accounts "an institutional self." Compares native and nonnative English-speaking candidates and considers how culturally based differences in communicative background affect the…

Focuses on three students from mainland China as part of an investigation of Asian students' classroom communication patterns in United States universities to explore the complexities of silence, and the cultural interpretations of silence in various social contexts. Multiple functions of silence in terms of linkage, affecting, revelational,…

Proposes a shift from ideological critiques of the English language teaching industry to an exploration of the emancipatory potential for minority groups in appropriating the language systems of dominant social groups so as to take their own cultural visions into the forums of everyday politics. (Author/VWL)

Examines theoretical and methodological concerns of the new ethnographic writing, analyzing writing practices of both professional anthropologists and student ethnographers who undertake ethnographic research as part of a modern languages degree course in universities in the United Kingdom. Emphasis is on qualitative writing as a heuristic…

Discusses language shift reversal (LSR), defined as a change in the progress affecting Spanish language use along the US-Mexico border and some other extended areas of the country during the past few decades. LSR is contrasted with reversing language shift, the result of official language policy and planning. Samples of LSR in San Diego County are…

Reexamines the foundations of mainstream intercultural theory and research. Outlines an approach to intercultural communication from the perspective of social constructionist discourse studies. Offers empirical studies of how willpower can be related to the outcomes of intercultural communication and discusses methodological implications for…

Shows how Hans-Georg Gadamer's critical hermeneutics can be applied to intercultural communication. Suggests that by incorporating the philosophies of Hans-Georg Gadamer, intercultural communication scholars will be able to bring a fresh perspective to guide their theory, research, and practice. (Author/VWL)

Considers the relationship between student diary writing and the formation of personal identity as it occurs in cross-cultural situations. Reviews figures associated with the concept of identity and argues that identity cannot be accounted for by separating intrinsic from extrinsic attributes. (Author/VWL)

Explores features of Aboriginal English discourse that appear to be associated with some distinctive roles played by schemas in processing and formation of discourse by Aboriginal children. Examines the complexity of intercultural communication between Australian aborigines and the dominant class of white Australians. (Author/VWL)

Using conversation analysis, examines one sequence of interaction during the closing stage of a business negotiation in English among four speakers--three native Mandarin speakers who speak fluent English and one native British English speaker. Attempts to reveal how their cultural beliefs and values inform their conversational styles. Notion of…

In this special issue on technology in language teaching, major articles include: "Sociocultural Aspects of Second Language Acquisition" (David Nunan); "The Need for Multi-Media ESL Teaching Methods: A Psychological Investigation into Learning Styles" (Don W. Hinkelman, Jay M. Pysock); "Can Japanese Children Learn English?" (David Paul);…