English as a Global Language: 4 Academic Journals

After publishing a blog presenting several journals in the fields of second language acquisition and English teaching, I received a few emails from TESOL community members asking me to continue introducing more journals in the field.

So back to academic journals! The research area of the journals that I selected for my blog today was inspired by the recent special issue of TESOL Journal (September 2014) on critical perspectives in World Englishes. So today we’ll look at journals that are concerned with English as a global language.

All the journal descriptions provided below are taken from the journal websites.

English Today

English Today “provides accessible cutting-edge reports on all aspects of the language, including style, usage, dictionaries, literary language, Plain English, the Internet and language teaching, in terms of British, American and the world’s many other ‘Englishes’. Its global readership includes linguists, journalists, broadcasters, writers, publishers, teachers, advanced students of the language and others with a professional or personal interest in communication. Its debates are vigorous and it is noted for its reader involvement. Now in its third decade, English Today remains unique in its scope and style.”

English World-Wide

English World-Wide “has established itself as the leading and most comprehensive journal dealing with varieties of English. The focus is on scholarly discussions of new findings in the dialectology and sociolinguistics of the English-speaking communities (native and second-language speakers), but general problems of sociolinguistics, creolistics, language planning, multilingualism and modern historical sociolinguistics are included if they have a direct bearing on modern varieties of English. Although teaching problems are normally excluded, English World-Wide provides important background information for all those involved in teaching English throughout the world.”

World Englishes

World Englishes is “an international journal committed to theoretical research on methodological and empirical study of English in global, social, cultural and linguistic contexts. World Englishes is integrative in its scope and includes theoretical and applied studies on language, literature and English teaching, with emphasis on cross-cultural perspectives and identities. The journal provides recent research, critical and evaluative papers, and reviews from Africa, Asia, Europe, Oceania and the Americas.  Thematic special issues and colloquia appear regularly.”

Asian Englishes

Asian Englishes “seeks to publish the best papers dealing with various issues involved in the diffusion of English and its diversification in Asia and the Pacific. The journal highlights such themes as: Varieties of English in Asia; Theories and methods of promoting effective teaching of English and testing of English proficiency; Social roles and functions of English in Asian countries; English-medium education; English-knowing bilingualism; English-language journalism, literature and other media; Borrowing of English by other Asian languages/Structural and functional influences of English on other Asian languages; English as a language of international, intercultural communication in Asia; Multicultural English and Mutual intelligibility; Language policy and language planning.”