A Forward

Throughout history, individuals speaking different languages have needed to understand each other: To trade, to conduct war and peace, to tell each other what they think. Latin is often quoted as the first true lingua franca, but even before the prevalence of Latin, Akkadian was the commercial and diplomatic language of the great civilizations of the ancient Near East, only to be replaced by the Greek koine ("common tongue") after the conquests of Alexander the Great.

Economic, social and political factors have combined to place English as the predominant global language of the world as we know it. Accusations of imperialism and political hegemony have been laid at the door of the English-speaking world but these charges hold an equal validity when applied to Spanish, Portuguese or French. It is the vigor of the English language itself - its flexibility, its capacity for expression and its sensitivity to change - which has enabled it to become the international language of business, science and culture. In fact, this international auxiliary language is now spoken by more non-native speakers than by people for whom English is their native tongue.

Language Debate

Current debate in the United States is focused on the need to balance the right of its citizens to speak their various native languages against the divisions that some fear may arise by not insisting that a nation's people speak one language. Bilingual programs are seen in some quarters as unproductive, whilst others defend education in languages other than English as a crucial factor in the development of immigrant children. In the new South Africa, the nurturing of English is regarded as a progressive step for a population speaking eleven native tongues. Immigrants arriving in Australia are now required by law to be proficient in English. Regarded by some as a controversial measure, it nevertheless serves as an illustration of the importance of English to many immigrants and refugees. In Malaysia, where English was once reviled as the language of the former colonists, the present government is strenuously pursuing a campaign of education in English, which it regards as a key element in the development of the country. As the English language continues to spread as the means of global communication, an increasing sense of responsibility falls upon its proponents and its teachers. To speak English is to be in a position of privilege: To teach it to others enhances that privilege.

Global Business

A vibrant and progressive industry has grown up around the teaching of the English language and this publication is a guide to the many opportunities that exist within it. The American Language Review therefore serves all individuals and institutions involved in the teaching of English as a Second Language. It is designed to be a forum for ideas and debate relating to contemporary issues in the field, and consequently intends to be inclusive in its approach, rather than serving any specific interest group.

The publication will highlight subjects of importance to teachers and professionals working in related areas. Practical matters and theoretical debates will be featured alongside hard news and industry intelligence. The American Language Review strives to attain the highest level of journalistic integrity and coverage in order to properly reflect developments in this evolving field, and to provide its readership with a comprehensive and reliable source of information, which will be useful and entertaining to read.

This introductory Preview Edition of The American Language Review has been distributed to 10,000 English language professionals. Its intention is to give our prospective readers the flavor of forthcoming issues of The American Language Review.