Question: Define Linguistic Imperialism. Discuss the role of English Language Teaching in Linguistic Imperialism.
Linguistic Imperialism
Linguistic means scientific study of language and imperialism stands for expansion of power over weaker one. So, “Linguistic Imperialism” means imposition of one language on the speakers of other language.
A working definition of ‘linguistic imperialism’ provided by Philipson is as follows:
“Linguistic Imperialism is the process by which the dominance of English is asserted and maintained by the establishment and continuous reconstitution of structural and cultural inequalities between English and other languages.”
From this definition, it is understood that English linguistic imperialism involves both material and ideological dominance of English over other languages and cultures.
Role of English language teaching in Linguistic Imperialism
Linguistic imperialism has not come over night. It first came in light in 1930s and successfully appeared in 1992 because of influential teaching of English throughout the world.
English teaching kills off other languages
There is no country in the world where English is not taught with enthusiasm particularly in developing and poor countries. In the real environment of India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, English has grasped the most significance attraction to the students and teachers. Mother tongue of these countries as teaching profession has a tiny prestige and validity. On the other hand, the English teaching has got utmost significance that is why Philipson asserts that English is both ‘replacing’ as well as ‘displacing’ other languages. Thus, English language teaching plays a vital role for ‘linguistic imperialism’.
Inequality between English and local languages
English language teaching has created inequalities between English and local languages. Such inequalities can be illustrated by ‘Bilingualism’ that is fluency in two languages. In case of bilingualism, English has advanced over local languages. Take for an example, in India the dominance of English hampers or thwarts the natural multilingual process. The reason of these inequalities is certainly English language teaching and international significance of English.
More Notes of ELT
ELT was masterminded as an imperialist
According to Philipson, ELT enterprise only serves for British and American interests. For him, ELT professionalism is nothing but an attempt to legitimate dominated relationship. He illustrates this by creating a term as ‘fallacies. Teachers of IELTS, GRE, TOEFL are the advocate of linguistic imperialism. Such courses have been launched throughout the world by the British and American so critically for the purpose of linguistic imperialism.
Other causes of linguistic imperialism
Besides, there are some other causes of linguistic imperialism. Capacities, resources and use which are categorized by Philipson as the prime causes of linguistic imperialism since English is a rich language and in case of function it is an international language.
Thus, we can conclude that if there is no English teaching, there is no “Linguistic Imperialism”.
