REAL WORLD ENGLISH AND ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING TODAY: THE CASE OF EUROPE

This paper focuses on the spread of English and the unique function it has as a lingua franca in the world, with special emphasis on the European scenario. It argues how English language use is deviating more and more from foreign language use between non-native speakers and native speakers, to become a kind of second language shared by all those who use it. Thus, the importance of conceptualizing speakers of lingua franca English as language owners in their right, and acknowledging salient features of English as a lingua franca (ELF). Finally, it discusses the implications of this historically unique situation in Europe for possible changes in English teaching pedagogy.