World English and World Englishes: perspectives from English language learners in Iran

Abstract

The global spread of English has led to the emergence of non-native varieties of English in the world and this has, as a consequence, prompted many scholars to discuss and acknowledge World Englishes (WEs, i.e., non-native varieties of English) in addition to World English (WE; i.e., English as an international language). The present study set out to assess Iranian English as a foreign language (EFL) learners' attitudes toward WE and WEs using a questionnaire, adopted from previous relevant research, and focus-group interviews. The participants consisted of 38 EFL learners. The results revealed the remarkably positive attitudes of the participants toward WE but not toward WEs nor to "Iranian English"(i.e., "Expanding Circle"). The findings therefore indicated that Iranian language learners perceive the Standard English spoken in English speaking countries such as the US and UK (i.e., "Inner Circle") as the only legitimate reference group.