THE POLITICS OF LANGUAGE: ENGLISH IN A MULTILINGUAL WORLD

Abstract

English has emerged as the dominant global language, serving as a crucial tool for international communication in education, business, science, and diplomacy. Its widespread use, however, is not merely a neutral linguistic phenomenon but is deeply embedded in political, economic, and historical contexts. This chapter explores the intricate politics surrounding the global spread of English and its implications within multilingual societies. It critically examines how English operates as both a facilitator of cross-cultural interaction and a mechanism of linguistic dominance that can marginalize minority and indigenous languages. The chapter investigates language policy decisions, educational practices, and social attitudes that reflect and reproduce power inequalities linked to English proficiency. It also addresses the resistance strategies employed by multilingual communities, including efforts to decolonize language practices and promote linguistic diversity. Through this comprehensive analysis, the chapter advocates for more equitable and inclusive language policies that recognize the value of multilingualism and safeguard linguistic rights in an increasingly interconnected world.