Indonesian JELT
Vol 14, No 2 (2019): IJELT Vol 14 No 2, (October 2019)

Considering the reality of hegemonic tendencies: English and linguistic diversity

Miguel Mantero (The University of Alabama, USA)



Article Info

Publish Date
31 Oct 2019

Abstract

This paper aims to analyze the commodification aspect of dominant languages, in particular, English, while looking into linguistic diversity as a commodity in its own right. In order to illustrate multilingualism as a valuable commodity in itself, we mention Immersion Programs in the US and the increasing recognition of the importance of being proficient in languages other than English, for educational, personal, economic and national security reasons. This research also aims to look into some aspects of the delicate issue of English being strengthened over the weakening of thousands of local languages and cultures. Some arguments are provided in order to illustrate the fact that ‘global English’ represents special politico-economic interests that cannot meet the needs of the people whose languages and cultures are being subjugated by the imperialistic and capitalist ideologies of the spread of English. Unless local language policies are elevated on political agendas, globalization language policies will remain insensitive to the irreplaceable value of linguistic diversity, along with the real needs of citizens from all over the world.

Copyrights © 2019






Journal Info

Abbrev

JELT

Publisher

Subject

Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media

Description

Indonesian Journal of English Language Teaching (IJELT) (pISSN: 0216-1281) is a peer-reviewed journal in which submitted articles will go through a blind review process. IJELT is published twice a year in May and in October every ...