Realism and imagination in the teaching of English

In the imagination of many of those establishing language policies, especially educational ones, English can be ordered and controlled. Intentions about the type of English to be taught may be expressed, and curriculum requirements may specify the variety of English required of learners. However, the imagined learner, the imagined teacher, and the imagined setting of use are often at odds with the reality of the learner’s exposure to English, and of the learner’s plausible occasions of use. This is one of many areas in which there is a failure to come to grips with the impact of the globalisation of English.