ELWC = "European Language of Wider Communication" (or alternatively "Europhone Language of Wider Communication")
"Language of wider communication" (LWC) is a term that includes any language used vehicularly, often as a second/additional language. Many African languages including Arabic serve as LWCs or as local linguae francae. ELWC (European languages of wider communication) was coined by linguist Eyamba G. Bokamba (1995). ELWCs in Africa include: English, French, Portuguese, and, in one country, Spanish.
ELWCs of course dominate in web content and software worldwide.
Bokamba, Eyamba G. 1995. "The Politics of Language Planning in Africa: Critical Choices for the 21st Century." In Martin Putz, ed. Discrimination Through Language in Africa?: Perspectives on the Namibian Experience. Mouton de Gruyter.
