Chapter 1. Theoretical issues

The chapter begins with a discussion of the linguistic and sociolinguistic motivations that lead to the creation of distinctive linguistic features in new varieties of English. This will include a review of issues connected with language contact, nativisation and the nature of code-mixing. The second part of the chapter will focus on the major issues confronting regional language policy makers associated with the teaching and learning of different languages for different needs. A consideration of the continuing use of local languages given the domain spread of English and regional lingua francas, including the increasingly important Putonghua, concludes the chapter.