The Cultural and Intercultural Dimensions of English as a Lingua Franca.

The cultural and intercultural dimensions of English as a Lingua Franca is a challenging collection which questions certain orthodoxies deemed to be counterproductive and of the past, such as the uncritical use of the concept of culture, the obsession with cultural differences and the straitjacketing of individuals. This volume also reminds us that culture is not always congruent with nations or ethnic groups as, “a volatile and mobile, fluid and invisible frontier can separate those who seem near, and unite those whose language and culture seem to separate” (Augé 2010:7 translated). It is therefore necessary to promote a situated understanding, which does not try to simplify and essentialise ‘other’ cultures.