Gas-Rich Local Dwarf Star-Forming Galaxies and their connection with the Distant Universe

I discuss the properties of gas-rich forming galaxies. I particularly emphasize the latest results on Lyman alpha emission that are relevant to the search of distant young galaxies. The interdependance of the Lyman alpha escape with the properties of the ISM in starburst galaxies is outlined. A new model from G. Tenorio-Tagle and his collaborators explaining Lyman alpha profiles in starburst galaxies from the hydrodynamics of superbubbles powered by massive stars is presented. I stress again that since Lyman alpha is primarely a diagnostic of the ISM, it is mandatory to understand how the ISM and Lyman alpha are related to firmly relate Lyman alpha to the cosmic star-formation rate.