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Virtual University
Diploma In Linguistics
World Englishes (Eng506)
Assignment 1

Submitted by: Mehwish Hina

Roll Number: dc230200249
Spring 2023

Q. According Robert Philipson’s proposition, ‘The spread of English is a kind of linguistic

imperialism”. Keeping this in mind provide the definition of ‘linguistic imperialism’ as
given by Robert Philipson and list SIX implications of linguistic imperialism for the world?
Also enlist three paradoxes of linguistic imperialism.

Robert Phillipson defines linguistic imperialism as “the dominating use of one language or

language variety at the expense of others, a situation which results from political and economic

power.” Linguistic imperialism has implications for the world because it impacts multiple areas

including education, commerce, politics, culture and social identity. The following are six ways

in which linguistic imperialism can impact different communities around the world:

1. Creation of homogenous cultures – The dominance of a single language can lead to the

creation of homogenous societies and cultures, which reduces cultural diversity.

2. Unfair power dynamics – Adoption of a certain language by some countries or regions

gives users an unfair advantage over those who are unable to speak that same language,

creating unequal power dynamics in economic, political, and social systems around the

world.

3. Loss of culture – Linguistic imperialism can lead to loss of local languages as more

people adopt foreign ones for practical reasons such as increasing employment

opportunities or accessing educational resources unavailable in their native tongue. This

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may result in a decrease in traditional values associated with a particular culture because

its native language is no longer spoken among its members.

4. Restriction on self-expression - Because individuals speaking non-dominant languages

are not able to express themselves easily due to lack of linguistic accessibly, necessary

tools needed for effective communication (example dictionaries), it affects how they

understand and interact with one another both inside and outside their communities. In

this way, linguistic imperialism can be seen as oppressive instrument since it denies

certain groups full range expression within society at large while placing them

automatically into positions inferiority side from mainstream discourse taking place

therein.

5. Data bias – When data collected from sources using dominant languages, it is used for

research purposes without appropriate filters for translation errors stemming from code

switching between multiple dialects/languages, there exists potential methodological

flaws leading misinterpretation of results.

6. Increase Economic Disparities --The lingual divide reinforces economic imbalance in

the society. Language can be used as a tool for control and domination by more powerful

nations or actors. By dominating certain languages, those with power are able to maintain

an unequal status quo that favors their interests over others'. It creates barriers between

groups who do not speak the same language; this limits access to information and

resources which may otherwise benefit them economically. Those without access are less

likely to have voting power or decision-making abilities on issues related to trade and

development policies. Many countries use English as its official business language,

leading other countries with non-English native tongues behind in terms of profession
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opportunities both domestically and internationally due lack of proficiency – all these

impeding progress towards financial stability.

Three paradoxes of linguistic imperialism are as follows:

1. The Linguistic Imperialists Paradox - Some linguists argue that language imposition

does not reflect a true intention to commit "linguistic imperialism", and instead improves

the educational system for people who may have limited access, leading some

communities whose languages are threatened with extinction call those same efforts

“imperialism” because of their perceived “intruding upon” or controlling their language.

2. The Power Equilibrium Paradox – While formal legal recognition is important in

maintaining minority rights and identity, preserving endangered languages often requires

more than just having laws on the books; it also necessitates engagement between

dominant and minoritized groups, meaning implementing power structures like

governments must accept equal representation from such groups without seeking to

dominate them via legislation in order to achieve equilibrium within any given ecology.

3. The Representation Learning Gap Paradox- Even if minority protection occurs first

through many evolving steps (like legislative bodies), successful implementation is

entirely dependent upon how well-researched representations become about the local

areas they protect-- understanding history, culture, human geography etc.--eradicating

learning gaps where gains realized from better structured representation cannot be

captured due to missed opportunities caused by ineffective research methodologies

perpetuated among academic institutions either domestically or abroad.