Making English as an International Language Viral Again

The widespread of English in the world is obvious. According to Population Reference Bureau, more than 527 million people around the world speak English as a first language, and more than 430 million people speak English as a second or foreign language around the world. In this sense, there have been many different ways to appreciate English globally, such as English as an International Language (EIL), World Englishes, and Lingua Franca. Still, not many language teachers consider English as above in the EFL classrooms. In particular, EIL is practically useful in broadening students' understanding and scope of an English language. Hence, this essay encourages teachers to recognize and understand EIL. It also discusses EIL principles with hands-on examples so that they can appreciate a broader view of teaching and learning English and help their students learn English more flexibly and promote multiculturalism and multilingualism in the EFL context.