Gas-rich Local Dwarf Star-Forming Galaxies and Their Connection With the Distant Universe

I discuss the properties of gas-rich forming galaxies. I particularlyemphasize the latest results on Lyα emission that are relevant to the search of distant young galaxies. The interdependance of the Lyα escape with the properties of the ISM in starburst galaxies is outlined. A new modelfrom G. Tenorio-Tagle and his collaborators explains Lyα profiles instarburst galaxies from the hydrodynamics of superbubbles powered by massivestars. I stress again that since Lyα is primarely a diagnostic ofthe ISM, it is mandatory to understand how the ISM and Lyα arerelated to firmly relate Lyα to the cosmic star–formation rate.