The Rise of Global English

 Linguistic Colonization: Is the Spread of English Harmful?

Although it has not always been this way, today, English is often found to be the primary or secondary language of numerous countries worldwide. This cultural shift has altered the way nations' representatives communicate within global affairs. The popularization of English in China alone exemplifies the degree to which English has become less of an option and more of a requirement for those seeking international opportunities. If a student wants a good education, career, and stable lifestyle, they are expected to know both their native language and English. 

Pictured: Shutterstock image of languages around the world. 

China's Relationship with the English Language 

The video, "The Expansion of English in China," explains how the teaching of English to children in public and private schools influences Chinese culture at large. At first, French and British English were dominant languages in China. However, after Mao died in 1976, American English grew in popularity with the emergence of the China Daily in 1981. Due to the fact that it was an English language newspaper, the China Daily encouraged Chinese citizens to learn English. Soon, the language became viewed as a means of international communication that could enrich the livelihood of the individual. today it is understood in China that to get rich, you have to learn English. 

Pictured: America and Britain's influence on China's curriculum. 

English and the European Union

Members of the European Union can confirm that English is currently ranking higher in its level of importance over other languages that are used in global meetings. In result of English being used more than most other languages, many people consider it more important than less popular languages like Estonian. 

Much like in China, knowing English in the European Union can grant a person opportunities that will not otherwise be afforded to them, according to the video, "Global English Usage in the European Union." Unfortunately, English becoming a lingua franca brings into question if cultures worldwide are being colonized/forced to assimilate to survive. Many have noted that even within countries that prioritize teaching English, the language begins to sound "incorrect" or transformed by the speaker into a personal hodge-podge of English words and their attempt to articulate a point in a second language. 

Pictured: "Learn English" by Kirsten Campbell Howes.

Language and Colonization

So, if English is becoming an international, involuntary game of "telephone," what can we do to use our words with intention and compassion in mind? Language revivalist April Charlo explains in her Ted Talk that some linguistic changes can seem small when we say them, but prove to be impactful upon the communities and cultures they address. To make her point, she recalls a conversation she once had with an elder, when she was told she could not address anything in nature using the word, "my." In other words, she could not assume ownership over lifeforms that could be found in nature, which would mentally detach her from the idea that she is entitled to/better than nature. 

A mindset like Charlo's elder can be admirable in that it acknowledges everything in nature as self-possessed and equal. By making simple changes in our everyday speech, we have the power to decolonize the English Language as much as it can be decolonized. This way, if English is globally required for everyone's survival, the kind of English spoken by each individual can be both personalized and intentional. 

References:

Harlan, Chico, and Stefano Pitrelli. “Italy's Giorgia Meloni Sets Agenda, Says She Has No Sympathy for Fascism.” The Washington Post, WP Company, 25 Oct. 2022, www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/10/25/giorgia-meloni-italy-fascism/. 

OUlearn, director. YouTube, YouTube, 18 Oct. 2011, www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKAeFi1IT54. 

TEDxTalks, director. YouTube, YouTube, 27 Mar. 2015, www.youtube.com/watch?v=6kuC_IemiCs&ab_channel=TEDxTalks.