The Use of English in an English as a Lingua Franca (ELF) Context: A Study of ASEAN International Students at a Thai University

Abstract

              The number of study abroad programs is growing in the member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Within these programs English is serving as a lingua franca. However, there have been few studies that have examined this emerging linguistic terrain. In particular, while many ASEAN study abroad programs state that English is used as the lingua franca, little, if anything, is known about what that usage entails.

             The study reported on in this article attempted to begin to address this by investigating how often and for what purposes English was used in the lives of 55 ASEAN international students participating in a study abroad program at a Thai university. The study examined the role of English in the students’ lives, both inside and outside the classroom. Additionally, the study attempted to determine what effect, if any, this usage had on students' anxiety about using English. Findings showed that the participants used English frequently and extensively for both academic and social purposes during their time in Thailand. Students also reported having lower levels of anxiety about using English after a year or more of studying in Thailand. These findings have significance for students who are considering participating in a study abroad program in which English serves as the lingua franca and those interested in having a better understanding of how English as a lingua franca functions within such programs.