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[Abstract] This paper discusses the globalized state of English and how the language merges with, engulfs, gorges, and finally replaces languages of minority communities, thereby obliterating cultural identity and memory. It explores the reasons for the rapid and pervasive spread of English. It explores and discusses language and cultural knowledge among minority communities, indigenous peoples, and immigrants. Examples, current and historical, are offered. The paper details the major crisis in language loss occurring in developing countries and cautions that that diverse languages and cultures risk being swallowed by global English.
[Keywords] globalization, globalization of English, language of disadvantaged nations
Introduction
After World War II, the world entered a post-industrial period characterized by a persistent Cold War and confrontation between East and West. Regional wars never ceased. Scientific and technological advances have made the globe smaller and international cooperation broader; thus, internationalization, globalization, and ecological interdependency characterize the 21st century. With the continuous increase and expansion of human communication, English has been playing an increasingly important role. The globalized English which is emerging confers advantages as well as disadvantages, for it provides a common communicative code. However, the languages of smaller, less powerful nations are receding in importance and are gradually being superseded by dominant world languages such as English. By analyzing this trend and noting its causes, we may understand how global English overwhelms the languages of developing nations and how this process leads to cultural annihilation, just as plants from other parts of the world may choke out native species. This paper examines the threatened loss of culture that attends language eradication and suggests possible actions for safeguarding linguistic and cultural diversity. The varied cultures of our world have developed over a long history, and we as human beings should treasure their continued existence.
Status Quo and Causes of the Globalization of English
At present, English is not only the official, semi-official, or general language of more than 70 countries, but is widely used in 100-130-odd other countries and regions worldwide. No other language has spread so quickly and widely in human history. Even in its prime, Latin influenced only a circumscribed area of the ancient world. By contrast, English dominates the planet. In 1936, no more than 194 million people could speak...