Scholars have highlighted the proliferation of English varieties in postcolonial settings and their role in expressing local identities (Bolton Reference Bolton2018; Kirkpatrick Reference Kirkpatrick2020). This shift challenges the dominance of ‘standard’ English varieties, acknowledges the legitimacy of non-native Englishes, and underscores the importance of understanding how English adapts to and is reshaped by different cultural and social contexts (Buschfeld and Schneider Reference Buschfeld, Schneider, Low and Pakir2018). Despite these advances, gaps remain in fully appreciating the local realities and the lived experiences of English speakers outside traditional Anglophone settings. Bertus van Rooy's World Englishes: The Local Lives of a Global Language addresses these gaps by exploring the socio-historical processes and linguistic innovations that characterize the spread of English. This book provides a comprehensive exploration of the global spread and adaptation of English by emphasizing how it has been reshaped and localized in diverse socio-cultural contexts. The book is structured into three main parts, each addressing different dimensions of the phenomenon of world Englishes. Throughout the book, van Rooy challenges traditional hierarchies that privilege native English norms and calls for a rethinking of what constitutes ‘standard’ English.

Part 1 lays the foundation for understanding the global spread and evolution of English through its first three chapters. In Chapter 1, van Rooy explores the historical and sociopolitical factors that have contributed to English's global reach by emphasizing the impact of British colonialism, migration, and trade in establishing English as a lingua franca. He critically engages with theoretical models such as Kachru's (Reference Kachru, Quirk and Widdowson1985) concentric circles and Schneider's (Reference Schneider2003) dynamic model by advocating for their expansion to better accommodate the evolving contexts of English use. Van Rooy introduces the concept of ‘world Englishes’ to highlight the diversity and legitimacy of English varieties that have emerged through indigenization and localization. Chapter 2 shifts focus to the practical use of English in various global settings by discussing how social and cultural factors influence language use and lead to linguistic innovations. He examines how English adapts to local needs, acquiring unique features, and serving both as a unifying force and a marker of social stratification, while also addressing the tension between native-speaker norms and localized forms. In Chapter 3, van Rooy analyzes how English is reshaped by different communities through processes of nativization and indigenization. He emphasizes the significant role of non-native speakers in driving these changes and challenges the traditional view that native speakers are the sole custodians of the language.

The second part of the book explores the diverse contexts in which English is used, as well as the language's adaptability and evolving nature. In Chapter 4, van Rooy offers an insightful examination of the native varieties of English in Inner Circle countries, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and Canada. He explores how historical factors, including settlement patterns, regional dialects, and contact with indigenous languages, have influenced the development of these varieties. Chapter 5 shifts the focus to Outer Circle countries, where van Rooy examines the institutionalization and indigenization of English in former British colonies such as India, Nigeria and Singapore. Van Rooy provides a compelling account of the historical process through which English gained prominence in these regions, particularly emphasizing how it became a key tool for socioeconomic mobility and national identity, often introduced through colonial education. Continuing this theme, Chapter 6 discusses the transformation of English into a local language in various Asian and African contexts. The chapter highlights the concept of ‘glocalization’ where English is simultaneously global and local and challenges traditional notions of linguistic imperialism. Van Rooy highlights how English adapts to local contexts by acquiring distinct characteristics in different regions. Chapter 7 extends the discussion to Expanding Circle countries such as Japan, Germany, and Brazil, where English, although not a native language, has become essential for international communication in business, diplomacy, and education. Van Rooy underscores the creativity in these contexts, with speakers blending English with native languages to create hybrid forms. Finally, Chapter 8 explores the influence of urban migration and digital communication on the global spread of English, particularly how globalization and technological advancements have fostered new varieties of English and enabled linguistic innovation through social media. The rise of these new English varieties in urban environments is presented as a natural consequence of globalization and migration, while the use of English on digital platforms is framed as a creative and inclusive phenomenon.

In the final chapter (also Part 3), van Rooy reflects on the cumulative effects of the global spread of English and considers its future trajectory. He discusses the potential for further diversification of English varieties and the implications for language policy and education. Van Rooy addresses the debates around linguistic imperialism and the sustainability of linguistic diversity by arguing for a balanced approach that recognizes the value of both local languages and English. He calls for more inclusive language policies that support the coexistence of multiple English varieties and promote linguistic justice. The chapter concludes with a discussion of the ongoing role of English in a globalized world and emphasizes the need for continued research and dialogue on the evolving nature of world Englishes.

One of the book's key strengths is van Rooy's ability to balance established theoretical frameworks with innovative insights. By grounding his analysis in Kachru's concentric circles and Edgar Schneider's dynamic model, he offers readers a familiar foundation to understand the global spread of English. However, he goes beyond these models by questioning their limitations, particularly in their ability to account for the rapidly evolving linguistic landscapes of postcolonial and non-anglophone settings. His integration of the concept of glocalization – the simultaneous global and local nature of English – adds nuance, showing how English varieties emerge not just as products of historical imposition but also as dynamic, locally adapted forms. This multi-layered approach allows readers to see English not as a singular global force but as a language that is constantly negotiated and reshaped by the communities that use it.

The empirical case studies across Inner, Outer, and Expanding Circles further elevate the book's strengths. Van Rooy's exploration of specific varieties, such as Indian English and Nigerian English, brings to life the localized innovations and adaptations of the language. These case studies are not merely descriptive; they offer concrete examples of how English intersects with local cultures, identities, and power structures. The depth of his analysis in the Outer and Expanding Circle countries, for instance, illustrates the complex interplay between colonial legacies and contemporary uses of English. In highlighting how English functions as both a tool of socioeconomic mobility and a marker of class or status, van Rooy provides a more comprehensive understanding of the socio-political roles that English plays in different contexts. This focus on real-world examples grounds the theoretical discussion in tangible, lived experiences, making the argument for the legitimacy of non-native varieties of English particularly compelling.

Another strength of the book is its critical engagement with broader socio-cultural issues, particularly around linguistic justice. Van Rooy's exploration of linguistic imperialism is timely and thought-provoking, as he challenges readers to rethink the role of English in perpetuating social and economic inequalities. His discussion of how English can reinforce social hierarchies, even in postcolonial settings, adds a much-needed dimension to the debate on the global spread of English. By framing English as both an empowering and disempowering force, he skillfully navigates the complexity of linguistic dominance, making a case for more inclusive language policies that recognize and elevate non-native varieties. This critical perspective resonates with ongoing debates in sociolinguistics about language, power, and identity, positioning the book as a relevant text for those interested in both theoretical and applied linguistics.

While van Rooy's book offers a detailed and wide-ranging analysis, it has some limitations. One significant shortcoming is its relatively superficial treatment of digital and media contexts, especially considering the increasing influence of these platforms on language use and development. Although the book touches on the role of social media and digital communication in spreading and innovating English varieties, this discussion lacks the depth required to fully understand the implications of digital platforms on language evolution. The rise of digital communication has not only accelerated linguistic change but has also created new power dynamics in determining which varieties of English are deemed acceptable or prestigious. By not delving deeper into how social media algorithms, online communities and digital gatekeepers can reinforce dominant language norms, van Rooy misses an opportunity to explore how the digital sphere both democratizes and marginalizes different English varieties. A more robust analysis of this issue would have made the book more relevant to contemporary linguistic research, particularly in light of the growing body of work on the sociolinguistics of digital media.

Another limitation is the book's reliance on traditional anglophone academic perspectives, even as it advocates for the recognition of non-native varieties. Although van Rooy successfully highlights the indigenization of English in Outer and Expanding Circle countries, the voices of scholars from these regions are notably underrepresented. The inclusion of more perspectives from African, Asian, and Latin American scholars who are actively engaged in studying local Englishes would have enriched the book's theoretical and empirical discussions. This would not only provide a more diverse set of viewpoints but also align with the book's call for inclusivity in linguistic analysis. The reliance on Western scholarship creates a paradox that could have been addressed by incorporating more regional voices.

Additionally, van Rooy's reliance on traditional frameworks, while a strength in some respects, also limits the book's theoretical innovation. Models such as Kachru's (Reference Kachru, Quirk and Widdowson1985) concentric circles and Schneider's (Reference Schneider2003) dynamic model, while foundational, are becoming dated in light of newer linguistic theories that emphasize the fluidity and hybridity of language use. The book would have benefited from engaging with concepts such as translanguaging or postcolonial performativity, which reflect more contemporary approaches to understanding language as a practice shaped by identity, power, and resistance. These frameworks could have added depth to his analysis of linguistic innovation in digital and urban spaces, where language use is increasingly characterized by fluid boundaries between English and other languages. By not fully exploring these newer frameworks, van Rooy misses an opportunity to push the theoretical conversation forward, leaving readers with a synthesis of established ideas rather than groundbreaking new insights.

Although World Englishes: The Local Lives of a Global Language effectively consolidates existing knowledge, its contribution lies less in offering groundbreaking new insights and more in providing a clear, comprehensive synthesis of established ideas, supplemented by a series of well contextualized case studies. The book's balanced theoretical approach, combined with its detailed case studies and critical engagement with socio-cultural issues, provides a comprehensive understanding of how English functions as a global language. However, it does not significantly advance the theoretical conversation in the field, and scholars familiar with world Englishes may find that the book offers little that is genuinely new. Nevertheless, van Rooy's call for the recognition of diverse, non-native English varieties and his emphasis on inclusive language policies align with contemporary debates on linguistic justice and equity. Its accessible style, combined with its critical engagement with important sociolinguistic debates, makes it a useful text for teaching and for those interested in exploring how English continues to evolve in diverse global contexts.