Creating common ground: use of English as an international language

The status of English as the world’s major lingua franca has implications for its use in cross-cultural communication. Despite numerous theoretical frameworks and debate, empirical research on the specific characteristics of the international use of English is scarce. This study of English as a language for cross-cultural communication seeks to understand English speakers’ perceptions of characteristics of intercultural use of the language.

The main aim of this study was to document the characteristics of the use of English as an international language (EIL). It also aimed to identify strategies for successful intercultural communication with the use of English as an international language, drawing on the data from a number of EIL users.

The study was located within a qualitative research paradigm. Several methods for collecting data were used ranging from unstructured conversations and semi-structured interviews and case study to the use of the researcher’s personal experience. Twenty speakers of English from seventeen countries participated in the project. The participants in this collective case study have repeatedly used English in situations of intercultural communication.

The study has shown that EIL is seen as a much needed and convenient means of intercultural communication. Although EIL is not seen as a particular variety but rather a particular use ofthe English language, the study has documented a number ofspecific characteristics of this use of English, such as diversity, neutrality, flexibility, and simultaneous application of a combination ofstandards and accents. Other features of IX EIL include on-going meaning-negotiation, frequent word coinage and particular politeness based on inner-circle (Kachru, 1985) norms.

The results of this study indicate a number of conditions for successful use of English as a lingua franca. This study has found that establishing of ‘common ground’ plays an important role in situations where English is used as a means of intercultural communication. The strategies required for success of the international use of English include being flexible and observant in the diverse context of EIL. It is suggested that awareness of the features of EIL is crucial in situations when speakers of English find themselves in communication with users of other world Englishes. Better understanding and greater tolerance are needed between all speakers of English in order to communicate successfully.

The findings of this project have potential importance for all English speakers in today’s world as well as for all those involved in teaching/leaming English as a foreign or second language.

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