Affinity of Saussurean Linguistics, World Englishes Paradigm, and Intercultural Communication Studies

This study traces the change-over from the Saussurean structural linguistics, with its focus on language form, to anthropological Firthian sociolinguistics that branched into the contemporary World Englishes (WE) paradigm, interlocked with the Intercultural Communication Studies launched in the USA. This change-over became possible to the semiotic position of Saussure’s theory. The author analyzes Saussure’s differentiation between langue and parole and how these concepts are applied to the WE paradigm: changes started in speech of educated users modify the norm and alternate the language system. Finally, issues of effective intercultural communication are discussed based on knowledge of World Englishes.