Although the annual English in South East Asia conference is normally devoted to the study of linguistics, the most recent gathering of linguists and educators took a turn toward social controversy as participants focused on questions of cultural and linguistic imperialism, or linguicism, and challenged the ways in which English is currently taught in Asia. A range of views were offered by participants at the conference, which took place under the auspices of Curtin University in the Australian city of Perth, December 6-8, 2000. This report provides an overview of the opinions shared by many of the speakers regarding these potentially inflammatory topics, offering what may be for many educators an initial glimpse at some of the politicized and problematic issues that are being discussed at various forums and levels of education throughout the Asian region.
