Abstract
This chapter is jointly written by the three co-editors of this volume. In line with the book’s title, “Functional Variations in English: Theoretical Considerations and Practical Challenges”, we begin by outlining a theoretical view of functional variation that is in keeping with the work of Ravinder Gargesh, to whom the volume is dedicated. Gargesh works in genre studies, is very active in world Englishes, and is a teacher of English. A key focus of the chapter, and the rationale of the volume as well, is on what Braj Kachru termed as ‘the alchemy of English’: the idea that English is often an instrument of individual and societal transformation or transmutation, in which various (multi)linguistic components are magically mixed, resulting in a new and precious outcome. The chapter begins by explaining the pluralistic view of English(es) which informs all of the contributions. We carefully outline the similarities and differences between EIL, world Englishes and ELF: paradigms which are viewed here as not competing, but as mutually supportive. We then summarize the important aspects of each chapter, as the book progresses from general perspectives (Part I), to perspectives from outer circle contexts (Part II), views from the expanding circle (Part III), and finally, to the practical pedagogical implications of functional variation (Part IV). As is inherent with a functional outlook on English, we are concerned with how, and for what purposes, English is used around the world. It is hoped that this chapter can provide a synthesis of the complexity, and commonality seen in the various chapters, and act as a guide to the following chapters.
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Sharma, A., D’Angelo, J., Giri, R.A. (2020). Approaching the Theory and Practice of Functional Variations in English. In: Giri, R.A., Sharma, A., D'Angelo, J. (eds) Functional Variations in English. Multilingual Education, vol 37. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-52225-4_1
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