1. Introduction: language as a local practice -- 2. 'Press 1 for English': practice as the 'generic social thing' -- 3. The reverend on ice again: similarity, difference and relocalization -- 4. Talking in the city: the linguistic landscaping of locality -- 5. Kerala tuskers: language as already local -- 6. Alibangbang and ecologies of local language practices -- 7. 'Molding hearts-- leading minds-- touching lives': practice as the new discourse? -- 8. Conclusion: language as a local practice