English as a Lingua Franca

That English is today the most widely used linguafranca in practically all spheres of globalcommunication is an undisputed fact. Notwithstandingthe different varieties of English in use and thevaried levels of proficiency displayed speakers ofELF are able to not only understand each other butalso conduct high level transactions of every kind inthis medium. This book unlike much of the work onintercultural communication highlights the successesof non-native speakers in communicating in ELF ratherthan the misunderstandings that are said to plaguesuch intercultural encounters. Specifically theanalyses illustrate how common practices are employedby participants in various interactional environmentsto pre-empt problems of understanding from the outsetand to resolve them when they occur. The analysesthus not only detail how ELF speakers negotiate andcollaborate to arrive at shared understanding butalso shed light on the nature of their interactionalcompetence that allows them to compensate for anylack of linguistic competence. The book should proveuseful to researchers and students working in thefields of Intercultural Communication WorldEnglishes and ELF.