Presents a historical summary of the sociolinguistic context of Malaysian English and analyzes data demonstrating that transfer from Malay to standard Malaysian English does not result from interference leading to fossilization, but rather as English is acculturated in a sociolinguistic context unique to Malaysia. (Author/CB)

Proposes that the study of basilectal and acrolectal Singapore English can contribute to a better understanding of second language acquisition and use, emphasizing the operation of the monitor and specifications of the hierarchy of difficulty in the acquisition of syntactic structures. (Author/CB)

Investigates the role of dialect variation in the acquisition of American English by adult second language learners. The study revealed that dialect differences present problems for learners and cause variable intelligibility and negative learner attitude toward some varieties of English and its speakers. This attitude could negatively affect a…