Monday, January 19, 2015

Linguistic Imperialism


  • Where do we see evidence of linguistic imperialism in the Anglophone world?




Liniguistic imperialism is defined as the infliction of a dominant language on speakers of a divergent language. One can assume that by doing so, the superior language actively promotes its power over the language that has been invaded.

The english language, for one, is described to be the most prominent example of linguistic imperialism, which can be backed up historically , where one can examine the effects of the english language taking over and thus eradicating entire cultures.
Linguistic Imperialism can be linked to a variety of sources, the following being the media which includes social networks and international news, education, colonalization and power which is exemplified through financial , economical and political aspects. 
English linguistic imperialism is perhaps the most common case around the globe and can be identified in Pakistan. 
Pakistan is a culturally wealthy country that consists of 6 major and over 57 smaller languages. Unfortunately all of those languages are dying out rather quickly (apart from punjabi), as the authoritative positions such as the government, media, education and corporate sector ( The part of the countries economic activity that works privately) - are all superior influences that eject power and control throughout the country, with different outlooks.
Their two main languages are Urdu and English, not surprisingly. Urdu is its national language and yet has plummetted to become 7.56 percent of the nations spoken language. This policy has resulted in the english language morphing into one of sophistication and supremacy. What strikes one as rather despondent is the fact that all the smaller "insignificant" languages have now become a symbol for lower status, being primitive and most drastically shame. Why have shame in your identity that has grown and blossomed over decades, just like its carriers, why neglect a very relevant part of your self? And most particularly why enforce its elimination? 
Empowerment. Pakistan's aim is to modernize its population in terms of scientific and technological knolwedge and this incorporates the usage of the english language as they are then directly connected to to the outer populations of their country and thus empowered the state. The reality of this situation is that in order to be efficient and sucessful, pakistan has replaced english as their main language in the name of the futherment of their nation, economically and financially. Wether those choices, and to what extent they are being carried out , are worthy of support is debatable. However, to me, they have clearly crossed a line by attacking the countries very heart and soul.


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