Language And Power
WT3
Language And Power
Social power is enabled by having control over language use. Discuss in relation to the following quote from the textbook:
...The ability to engage with ideas and arguments, and to present your own views, is inseparable from your control of language. (Hale & Basides, 2013, p. xii).
The English language has become a global language in the diverse regions of the world because of the broad use of it. The control over language use facilities the expansion of English, as this implies to the individuals who speak it having a say in how the language is taught and used across the world. English speakers have the power to shape and influence how others learn and use the language.
Power over language use has helped the way English has spread through the way of teaching procedures. ELF pedagogy recognises learners different origins and focuses on increasing their communicative ability in the way English is used as a medium of communication with other non-native speakers. It also encourages plurilingualism and intercultural awareness, assisting students in developing skills for effective communication across linguistic and cultural borders. Another factor that contributes to the spread of English is its status as an official language in many countries. For example, India uses English as one of its official languages alongside Hindi, Bengali, Urdu, Punjabi, and others. This has led to increased proficiency in English among Indians who use it for business transactions, education, and government communication.
Technological advancements have made it easier for English to become a global language. Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram allow people from different parts of the world to communicate in real-time using English as a common language. Online learning resources such as Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) also provide high-quality educational materials that can be accessed by learners worldwide at their own pace. However, some critics argue that promoting only one language could result in linguistic imperialism where native speakers impose their standards on non-native speakers without consideration for local contexts or cultures. Instead of replacing diverse languages with just one dominant tongue, fostering, and cherishing linguistic diversity should take priority. English owes much of its international spread thanks to those who wield power over its education, acquisition, and use all around the globe according to Kachru's theory (1990). According to him "The pervasive development of English worldwide results from the hegemonic dominance exercised by certain states where it is spoken natively."
According to Graddol (2006), the worldwide dissemination of English owes its success to the dominance wielded by English-speaking nations, both politically and culturally. The influence they hold enabled them to impose their language on other countries while shaping its evolution and application in diverse settings. The spread of English can be traced back to the influence and expansion of the British Empire in various parts of the world. Then later strengthened further by Americas ascent to power following World War II when the country became an economic and cultural superpower. As a result, English has come to dominate and now is the most widely spoken language globally. Standardisation is one of the methods that power over language use, it allows English to become a global language. Standard English is a collection of linguistic rules and practices documented in dictionaries and grammars. This type of English serves as a standard for proper use, making it easier for non-native speakers to learn and communicate with those who speak it.
The versatility of English is another significant factor that contributes to its widespread use. Despite the different accents, dialects and regional variants spoken by people across the globe, English bears a consistent structure and norms that allow it to accommodate these differences seamlessly. This adaptability makes acquiring proficiency in the language more accessible for individuals from varying linguistic backgrounds without having to entirely forego their native tongues or cultural heritage. English's pre-eminence as an international means of communication is further reinforced by Mina Patel (2023), who posits its extensive usage in various fields such as business, education, media, and technology has heightened its global prominence. Nevertheless, this could lead to linguistic imperialism if not regulated with local context consideration wherein supremacy over one dominant language may result in erasing diverse languages which are fundamental components of human culture. Therefore, instead of advocating multilingualism it would be appropriate rather than promoting just one lingua franca while still valuing every single voice through recognising individuality within them.
In conclusion, the spread of English as a global language has been enabled by having control over its use. This allows English speakers to influence how it is taught, learned, and used globally, making it an international lingua franca. However, this power should be exercised responsibly, with respect for linguistic diversity. Multilingualism should be promoted and valued instead of replacing one dominant language. It is crucial to recognise that language is an essential aspect of human culture, and linguistic diversity should be encouraged rather than subordinated by one language. Therefore, efforts towards promoting multilingualism and respecting linguistic diversity are necessary in our rapidly changing world to ensure a harmonious coexistence of different languages and cultures.
Word count
804
References
Jenkins, J. (2006). Current perspectives on teaching world Englishes and English as a lingua franca. Tesol Quarterly, 40(1), 157-181.
Graddol, D. (2006). The future of English. The British Council. https://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/sites/teacheng/files/pub_learning-elt-future.pdf
Kachru, B. B. (1990). The Spread of English and its Appropriation
Pennycook, A. (1994). English as a Global Language: A Cultural Perspective
In our rapidly changing world what is the future of the English language? | British Council. (2023). Britishcouncil.org.
https://www.britishcouncil.org/voices-magazine/our-rapidly-changing-world-what-future-english-language
