The structure and use of English in Micronesia

English today is an official language across the whole of Micronesia. It co‐exists with a large number of indigenous languages, most of which show considerable vitality. It is not possible, therefore, to look at the role or structure of contemporary Micronesian Englishes without taking into account the bi‐ and multilingual ecologies within which these local languages cohabit with English. This entry begins with a short portrait of the multilingual nature of Micronesia. In order to exemplify how the relationship between local languages and English functions, as well as how it differs across the region, the entry looks at the role of English in three domains: the education system, the media and in contemporary relations with Anglophone Pacific Rim nations. The entry concludes with an overview of the structure of contemporary Micronesian Englishes.