ABSTRACT
English is a language which has more non-native speakers than native speakers. The non-native speakers can be divided into two types. First, there are speakers of English as a Foreign Language who learn English as a vehicle of international communication. Second, there are speakers of English as a Second Language. In the Americas, English is an important second language in Puerto Rico and also has some second-language presence in Panama. A particular problem arises in the case of speakers of non-native varieties of English who attempt to get English-language degrees at continental European universities. The vowel system of West African English is typically reduced in comparison to that of most native varieties of English, lacking several vowel contrasts. Many differences in vocabulary between West African English and other varieties of English involve extensions or alterations to the semantic or grammatical function of English words.
