Richard S. Pinner is Assistant Professor in the English Literature Department at Sophia University, Tokyo, Japan and has taught in the field of ELT for over 10 years. His research interests include classroom practices and learner motivation, as well as authenticity and autonomy. He has published work in the ELT Journal, English Today, Applied Linguistics Review and Language Teaching Research.

• 1. Introduction to the Book        2. Existential, Philosophical and Theoretical Underpinnings3. English as a Global Language 4. Authenticity in Language Teaching     5. The Authenticity Continuum 6. Authenticity in Bilingual Educational Contexts7. New Media as a Catalyst for Authenticity        8. Conclusion9. References

What has plagued the notion of authenticity to date has been an ‘alphabet soup’ of abstract terms and simplistic references that attempt to define what it is and why it is important in L2 teaching and learning. In a compelling personal voice, Pinner masterfully unpacks the complexities of authenticity while re-positioning it on a continuum that is inclusive of global Englishes and relative to individuals’ selves and perceived position in rapidly changing societies.