Discusses attitudes to types of English language use--English as a second language, English as a foreign language, and English as a mother tongue (EMT)--as their use is demonstrated by tests. Concludes that EMT status is uncertain but that a test does provide a normative goal description. (SED)

Discusses criteria used in assessing language for specific purposes tests. Examines the issue of separability of language and content and reinforces points made by Jacoby and McNamara (1999) that second language assessments based entirely on linguistic criteria may fail to satisfy the purpose of the test user, whereas the use of indigenous…

Examines ways in which meaning is extracted in authentic language contexts and claims that whatever level of language people use deviates from some putative ideal. Such deviant use of language is common to everyday conversation. Examines two common contexts in which authentic but deviant language is the medium of communication. (Author SED)