The book consists of eight chapters: Chapter 1 - What is this thing called English? explores issues of definition, including the key distinction between English as a Foreign Language (EFL) and English as a Lingua Franca (ELF). Chapter 2 - Assumptions and presumptions discusses the construct of native-speaker authority and the contradictions this entails. Chapter 3 - Standard English and real English includes an analysis of the notions of 'Nativeness' and 'Foreignness' among different speakers of English Chapter 4 - Reconceptualizing 'English' includes sections on the sociolingusitics of ELF and on concepts of 'variety' and community in ELF and 'World Englishes' Chapter 5 - The dynamics of ELF usage looks at the relationship between native-speaker usage patterns and those of ELF speakers, as well as the values attributed to them. Chapter 6 - Form and function in ELF explores the relationship between ELF and idiomatic language Chapter 7 - Des