ELF Appreciation for the Purposes of University Internationalization

As evidenced by ongoing academic interest in the topic, English as a lingua franca (ELF) is of increasing concern as English becomes more globalized, while communication strategies and negotiation become more localized and contextualized. This study will investigate how these concerns manifest in the use of English as an international lingua franca, both on and off campus, at Japanese universities and at comparison sites in the UK. Included here is the rationale for the study, the research background, preparations made prior to the study, and the 24-month plan for the study, starting in summer 2025. Also included are the research questions, the structure of the book, which will include the findings, and preparations to ensure an ethical and robust research environment.