<P> Criticism of ELF generally fall into three camps: Those who argue that the language studied consists of learner errors rather than authentic variation; those who argue that ELF scholars are perpetuating the idea that ELF is a reified variety of English; and those who feel it is upholding notions of neutrality in the face of global domination through languages and discourse . </P> <P> Regarding the first stance, some linguists claim that variation in ELF is completely haphazard and devoid of any patterns, and therefore not worth studying . Most importantly, proponents of this view reject the idea that emerging insights into how English is used as a lingua franca can provide useful input with regard to the aims and methods of English language teaching . </P> <P> Regarding the criticism of ELF and variety building, some claim that ELF research has inherited the legacies of traditional linguistics, which contain some obstacles when considering language use in context . For example, there are claims that variationist discourses have entered into some ELF accounts, creating too much emphasis on accounting for language forms and authenticating them numerically, rather than considering all the contextual factors and variations that constitute communicative practices across ELF settings . This leads to linear connections between intention, behaviour, culture, etc., and English usages, which can be false lines of corrolation . It also creates a focus on what is different rather than what is there, which moves from a descriptive agenda to a pragmatic (and, arguably, problematic) one . Such criticisms tend to be cooperative and complimentary to the ELF field of enquiry, and not as overtly confrontational as those who either take the previous or following stance . </P> <P> The other line of criticism argues that concepts such as ELF provide a useful (terminological) veneer for continued (linguistic) domination by English - speaking countries through their political, educational, and cultural institutions . This concept of linguistic imperialism has been developed and heavily used by Robert Phillipson . Although Phillipson suggests this idea, there are some controversial facts which put Phillipson in a contrast situation . </P>

Benefits of the emergence of english as a global lingua franca