Abstract: The powerful national strengths of Britain and America account for the development of English from a regional language to a lingua franca. With the growing economic globalization and regional cooperation, English’s status as a lingua franca is enhanced in international communications. And its trends are mutually influenced by different English varieties and the lingua franca. Under this circumstance will people pay more attention to communicative functions of English and the English native speaker will not be the sole judge who determines foreign learners’ lingual competence any more. This paper, dealing with the causes and trends of English as a lingua franca, discusses the implications of English teaching and language planning in our country to establish a language-friendly society. More attention should be paid to language standard selection, communicative competence and cultural learning with regard to English education.

Key words: English as a lingua franca; language planning; World Englishes

CONTENTS

Abstract

摘要

1.Introduction.1

2. Literature Review2

2.1 Development of ELF

2.2 Related Researches Abroad and Home

3. Cause Analysis of the Formation of ELF4

3.1 Geographical-historical Contexts

3.2 Social-cultural Foundations

4. Trends of ELF6

4.1 World Englishes

4.2 Possible Trends of ELF

5. Implications for Language Planning in China .8

5.1 Language Policy 

5.2 English Education

6. Conclusions ...11

Bibliography ...12

Acknowledgements..13