The concept of English as a lingua franca (ELF) is the subject of much theoretical discussion and debate within ELT. However, little has been written concerning the history of ideas preceding it. This article discusses the concept of ‘neutral English’ proposed in 1967 by the writer L. A. Hill. After summarizing Hill’s life and work, the article explores his idea for neutral English, noting its apparent similarities to modern ELF theory as well as the historical and contextual factors that distinguish it. Using Hill’s work and stated motivations as a lens through which to view modern theory, the article highlights the possibility that apparently radical ideas can be co-opted to ‘centre’ interests in modern global ELT. Finally, it is proposed that more work into the history of conceptualizations of international English use would shed further light on the academic and political forces which intersect with this area of research.

中文翻译：

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洛杉矶希尔的“中性英语”-与ELF的历史对立

英语作为通用语言（ELF）的概念是ELT内部许多理论讨论和辩论的主题。但是，关于它之前的思想史的文献很少。本文讨论了作家LA Hill在1967年提出的“中性英语”的概念。在总结了希尔的生活和工作之后，本文探讨了他对中性英语的想法，指出了它与现代ELF理论的明显相似之处以及区别它的历史和背景因素。本文以希尔的工作和陈述的动机为视角来审视现代理论，强调了将明显激进的想法选为现代全球ELT中“中心”利益的可能性。最后，