English as a lingua franca English as a lingua franca English as a lingua franca (ELF) is the use of the English language as "a common means of communication for speakers of different first languages". ELF is also "defined functionally by its use in intercultural communication rather than formally by its reference to native-speaker norms" whereas English as a foreign language aims at meeting native speaker norms and gives prominence to native speaker cultural aspects. While lingua francas have been used for centuries, what makes ELF a novel phenomenon is the extent to which it is used – both functionally and geographically. A typical ELF
Italian comics Italian comics Italian comics are known in Italy as "fumetto" , plural form "fumetti" . The most popular Italian comics have been translated into many languages. The term "fumetto" (literally "little puff of smoke") refers to the distinctive word balloons that contain the dialog in comics (also called "nuvoletta" in Italian). The term "fumetti" is often used in English to refer to photo comics, regardless of origin or language. Italian "fumetto" has its roots in periodicals aimed at younger readers and in the satirical publications of the 19th century. These magazines published cartoons and illustrations for educational and propagandist purposes.