Negative Effects Of Imperialism On Non-Native English Language

The permeation of English language, not only in term of geographical extent but also the domains it covers, has sparked controversy about its potentially imperialist quality. Modiano (2001) refers to linguistic imperialism as a process in which prescriptive norms of English language serve to undermine cultural and linguistic diversity of non-native English language speakers (NNES). However, recently, researchers have shown an increased interest in the concept of English language as a Lingua Franca (ELF) which emphasizes the communicative property of English language (Jenkins, 2003). Since the idea of ELF challenges the view of English language as oppressive to the cultural and linguistic diversity, the negative effects of English language in the NNES users are debatable. This essay will attempt to demonstrate that the impact of linguistic imperialism on non-native English speakers can be considered negative and that the users can be seen as …show more content…
A scientific community is a good illustration of an ideal community of practice which accommodates ELF users, namely the NNESs (Jenkins, 2014). Montgomery (2009) states that “They (scientists) very much view themselves as linguistic actors not as victims, the linguistically enslaved.” (p.11). Evidently, for scientists, competence in English language could empower them personally and professionally, while they also recognize linguistic diversity as significant in providing their contributions to a wider inclusive scientific community (Montgomery, 2009). His claim could affirm that the importance of other languages is recognized and that the use of other languages is not dismissed by the spread of English language. Hence, English as a lingua franca can be considered not merely a perspective but also a positive trend of