ABSTRACT
This chapter begins with the clarification of the concept of English as a Second Language (ESL). It then concentrates on the major areas of West Africa (Nigerian English), East Africa (Tanzanian, Kenyan, and Ugandan English), South Africa (Black South African English), south Asia (Indian English), southeast Asia (Singapore English), and the Pacific (Philippine English). In each of these areas the chapter sets out to characterize the vocabulary, the pronunciation, and grammar of these varieties. This is expanded by having a look at the way some pragmatic aspects of communication are realized and where not only clear differences are revealed but also surprising similarities.
