As the circles of Englishes widen, the tension between globalisation and localisation is thrust to the foreground. English as a global language serves as medium of cross-cultural communication, but precisely because it is used in many different local contexts, it particularises. Particularisation is a cause of concern if it undermines the use of English as cross-cultural communication tool, and in that sense sets itself up as adversary to the global use of English. At the same time, to be a useful instrument in different specific contexts, Englishes have to particularise themselves, or fail to fulfill the most fundamental needs of their speakers.
Localisation is therefore also a necessary partner to globalisation.
We invite papers that explore this tension from the perspectives of the forms and functions, the sociolinguistics, the teaching and the literatures of World Englishes. Abstracts can be submitted via e-mail or surface mail to the Programme Chair, Bertus van Rooy, at Potchefstroom University. The final conference programme will be announced at the end of September, as soon as the keynote speakers have been confirmed. It has been home to the Potchefstroom University since 1919. Transport Shuttle services will be available to and from the Johannesburg International Airport, as well as to and from hotels and guest houses.