Minimal English and How It Can Add to Global English

Abstract

The global spread of English is now something thac concerns millions of people, in face, mega-millions, and ic creates challenges chac, we believe, cross-linguistic semantics has something useful to say about. One of che goals of this book is to bring che experience of cross-linguistic semantics, that is, che scudy of meaning across languages, into che public arena and to discuss ways in which it can be helpful in fostering clarity in intercultural communication. Underlying it is the idea that Global English is not an unmixed blessing as far as inrercultural understanding is concerned. Yes, Global English facilitates international and intercultural communication-but it can also create an impression that effective intercultural understanding is occurring when in fact it is not. In his Cultures in Conversation, Carbaugh (2005: xxii-x:xiii) referred to difficulties like these as 'invisible misunderstandings' (cf. Peeters forrhcoming/ 2018). This book explores ways in which the use of Minimal English can improve intercultural communication and cross-linguistic understanding in the era of Global English. Show more