In this chapter I shall argue that English has become an indigenous Asian language. After extensive language contact, Asian varieties of English have developed, so that it is now a language not only ‘in’ Asia but ‘of’ Asia (Kachru, “English” 102–103). Indeed, I shall show how English has extended into perhaps unexpected roles, roles traditionally filled by local languages. I shall support the argument by providing examples of Asian varieties of English and of Asian literatures written in English which illustrate how the cultures of Asia are reflected in these literatures. The tension between those authors who feel that they have been able to ‘stretch’ and reshape English to reflect their own cultural experiences and those who see writing in English as a form of cultural treason will be reviewed. I shall also give examples of the wide range of functions for which English is currently used within Asia, functions which Asian languages might normally be expected to fulfil. The teaching of English for Islamic values and purposes in the mosque schools of Indonesia and the continued use of English in many Asian legal systems will be given as two instances of this. The article will also distinguish between 1) the roles played by Asian varieties of English – primarily, but not exclusively, as markers of cultural identity – and 2) the role of English as a lingua franca within Asia – primarily, but not exclusively, as a medium of communication between communities and cultures. I shall conclude by asking whether English as an Asian language is threatening the roles and status of languages in Asia.

Keywords: English as an Asian language; Asian literature in English; English as a lingua franca; Asian varieties of English; post-colonialism