An accessible overview of this increasingly important field. English is the major language of international communication, and everyone wants to learn it. But which English, and how? This book questions the cultural assumptions underlying much English teaching, and suggests classroom aims and teaching methods based on the requirements of an international language.

This text examines sociopolitical, economic, familial, and educational agendas that influence attainment of second language literacy. The paperback examines the sociopolitical, economic, familial, and educational agendas that influence an immigrant's attainment of literacy in a new language. Each agenda is introduced through illuminating case studies drawn from research in North America, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Professor McKay analyzes the conflicts among different interest groups and paints a sensitive picture of how the needs of an individual may be at odds with any and all of the various literacy agendas. The book addresses teachers and teachers-in-training involved in second language education, whether their students are in special language classes, bilingual education, or enrolled in the mainstream curriculum. It also provides valuable insights to individuals responsible for developing second language literacy policies in the political, labor, and educational sectors.