Here is an article from OUP ELT journal authored by Andrew Sewell.
This article examines certain aspects of the debate surrounding English as a Lingua Franca (ELF). It argues that in some ways, neither ELF nor its opponents have come to terms with the complexities of English in a globalized world. By defining ELF according to how it differs from native-speaker language use, ELF researchers have tended to essentialize and exaggerate these differences, creating a false dichotomy between ‘ELF’ and ‘non-ELF’. At the same time, the conservatism of language teaching and testing in many parts of the world also suggests that there is further scope for an enhanced awareness of language variation. A desirable outcome of the debate would be the realization that all language use—whether by native or non-native speakers—is variable, emergent, contextual, and subject to hybridity and change.
Introduction
The Point and Counterpoint exchange between Sowden (2012) and Cogo (2012) typifies the lively debate that has arisen between adherents and opponents of English as a Lingua Franca (ELF). In her response to Sowden’s critique, Cogo successfully deals with a number of misconceptions about the nature of ELF, both as a linguistic phenomenon and as an emerging research paradigm. However, in doing so, she draws attention to several unanswered questions about ELF. By considering some of these questions, I will make the case that the positions taken by both Cogo and Sowden fail to deal adequately with the complex and dynamic nature of language use in today’s world.