ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book argues that the Standard English used in different parts of the native English-speaking world differs noticeably from one place to another. There are three types of countries in the world in terms of their relationship to the English language. The book describes English native language (ENL) and English second language (ESL) varieties in order to facilitate the comprehension of these different varieties by English foreign language (EFL) speakers, whichever variety they happen to have learnt themselves. It deals with the ‘American’ types, and the relatively larger amount of differences between them and the ‘English’ types. The book also discusses English-based pidgins and creoles that have a much more complex history than other English varieties. It discusses second-language varieties of English such as those found in Africa, Malaysia and the Indian subcontinent.
