Current Conceptualization of English as Lingua Franca

Abstract

English has emerged as the unprecedented Lingua Franca that has taken the world over by a storm. Sustaining in this multicultural, digital world is next to impossible without a good command over English. Hence, English as Lingua Franca (ELF) requires an in-depth scrutiny, both as a construct and as a reality. This paper analyses the use and employment of English for varied purposes and its implications and results. The native – non-native speaker dichotomy and ways to resolve the situation are brought into consideration. The emergence of a World Standard English is the latest phenomenon and endeavour to bring in the most apt answers to the questions raised by the English speakers all over the world.