This collection of specially commissioned articles focuses on selected critical dimensions and case studies of the theoretical, ideological, applied, and pedagogical issues related to English as it is spoken around the world. The Handbook represents the cross–cultural and international contextualization of the English language, and the contributions articulate the visions of scholars from major varieties of world Englishes – African, Asian, European, and North and South American. Topics discussed include the sociolinguistic contexts of varieties of English in the Inner, Outer, and Expanding Circles of its users; the ranges of functional domains in which these varieties are used; attitude–marked love–hate relationships with the language; the place of English in language policies and language planning in Anglophone societies; and debates about English as a cause of language death, murder, and suicide. This innovative and unique volume is a valuable resource for...