Introduction: Teaching English in a Time of Resurgent Nationalism

Abstract

AbstractThis special issue focuses on how neo‐nationalist movements are affecting the teaching of English to speakers of other languages in several countries where English functions as the dominant language, an official language, a lingua franca, and/or a required subject in schools. In this introduction, we offer background on neo‐nationalism and the teaching of English, as well as preview key themes and responses addressed in the rest of the special issue. We then provide an overview of the research articles, brief report, and commentaries that respond to the question of how the field of TESOL, which has benefited from neoliberal globalization even while critiquing it, can meet the challenges posed by a world in which more governments are withdrawing from international agreements, reinforcing their borders, and inciting xenophobic violence among the general populace.