Issues related to teaching for communicative competence in a second language are discussed: the implications of accepting a nonnative "accommodation" variety of English as a model for teaching and learning; important shifts in thinking among second language speakers; the effects of nationalism and national language development on second language learning and teaching; teacher training; institutions and forces in society that are supportive of second language isntruction; and some views on the relative importance of grammar, literature, content subjects, reading, and writing. (MSE)