An Introduction to Global Englishes

The rationale for the recently established JALT Global Englishes SIG may be unclear and require explanation. To that end, some key relevant areas of debate are introduced that indicate the relevance and importance of the SIG’s interests to teaching: English as a Native Language; English as a Foreign Language; World Englishes; Standard English; English as a (Multi) Lingua Franca; and Teaching English as an International Language. These introductions are provided to show how and why there has been a shift away from English as a Native Language and Standard English towards alternative conceptions of English. Lastly, some of the implications of these debates for teaching are introduced.