ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces the four Asian varieties under consideration in the book: Hong Kong English, Indian English, Philippine English, and Singapore English. Each variety is described with regard to its history, development, and variety status (i.e., whether it is a highly advanced variety or still at an early stage of its development). Singapore English clearly is the most advanced variety, since English in Singapore is used by locals in many everyday contexts and plays a crucial role in official sectors as well. The other three varieties, despite being very different, are all at a relatively similar stage since in each country English is partially nativized and is used in certain contexts.
