Investigated how the English-as-a-Foreign-Language (EFL) curriculum in Japan attempted to promote international understanding. Specifically examined the representation of English users and uses in seven EFL textbooks for seventh graders that were approved by the Ministry of Education. Analyses of the language varieties, users, and uses of English…

A discussion of the teaching and learning of English as an international language (EIL) makes two proposals. First, the teaching of EIL in Japan should not lead to premature replacement of native English with Japanese English as a model or goal of English education. The change should be in the direction of nurturing communicative competence, and…