Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of key concepts covered in the subsequent chapters of the book. This book is motivated by a recognition that linguistic, political and pedagogic dimensions of language learning in migration contexts are changing fast. It aligns with two current trends in the fields of sociolinguistics and language education. People's mobility, and the mobility of communication, has led to the development of a sociolinguistics of globalisation. National policy responses to the dynamic diversity associated with migration can be uneven and contradictory. Heide Wrigley outlines adult migrant language education and immigration policy in the US, which, though confused, is underpinned by a largely unquestioning acceptance of English as the de facto national language. Wrigley explores contemporary debates on US immigration reform. There is an unintended but beneficial consequence of governmental indifference towards abrogation of responsibility for adult migrant language education. In adult migrant language education classes, policy tends to be realised in practice.