Between the 17th and 20th century, an important theme was that of the nation-state. The idea of sovereignty became an idea that shaped global politics. This period was also characterized by colonization. European powers colonized different parts of the world, including the Americas, Africa, and Asia. And in the 20th century, the colonized became independent, and there was a wave of decolonization. Many countries in Asia and Africa became new and independent nation-states. They were created, based on different social, economic, and political reasons, including language. Through this, language became, and till today, is a political issue all around the world.
Language is a vehicle of culture. It allows for the transmission of ideas. It shapes and sharpens identity, which in turn creates societies and communities bounded by shared cultural notions. There are over 7000 known languages spoken by people around the world. And each of these languages brings with it different world views, perspectives, values, and ideals.
Cultural groups that identify themselves based on language have fought for statehood. This shows how language and identify are so deeply tied that they inherently become political. Every nation-state has a set of defining principles that it stands on, and through which it creates a sense of national identity. It could be based on political, economic, religious, or even linguistic ideology. In essence, the argument of the idea of any nation-state is a cultural argument that is abstract by nature.
And today, we have a global language - English. It is spoken by approximately 1.5 billion people around the world. Less than 400 million use it as a first language, meaning that over 1 billion speak it as a foreign language. The English language brings with it, its own politics.
With her training and work in law and linguistics, Professor Rosemary C. Salomone explores the power and politics of the English language in her book “The Rise of English: Global Politics and the Power of Language”. The book looks at case studies of Europe, colonization, and language policy in the USA to analyze how the rise of English has created opportunities as well as challenges for communities around the world.
One of the book's strengths is its historical perspective. Salomone provides a detailed and nuanced account of the evolution of English as a global language, from its origins as a regional dialect to its current status as the dominant language of international communication. She covers the historical events and cultural trends that have contributed to the spread of English, such as the rise of British colonialism, the decline of French as a global language, and the emergence of American cultural and economic power. This historical perspective helps the reader understand how and why English has come to be so dominant in the world today.
Salomone also addresses the political and social implications of the rise of English. She argues that the spread of English has been driven by political and economic power, and that it has had a profound impact on the way we think, communicate, and understand the world. For example, she points out that the use of English as a global language has reinforced the dominance of Western culture and values and has led to the marginalization of other languages and cultures. Let’s look at India. India is a country with 22 official languages. 22! The country is not united by language, but rather by the diversity and vibrant democracy that allows for different perspectives to flourish. In India, the English language was used in a very specific and manipulative way during British rule. The British wanted to create an education policy that would essentially create Indians who could speak English and be used as intermediaries between the British rulers and Indian masses who were administrative aides for the empire. And today, the English language has a love-hate relationship in India. It is a tool for economic and social progress yet can aid in the loss of culture.
As an ELT/ESL professional and international educator, I enjoyed reading “The Rise of English: Global Politics and the Power of Language”. It is a thought-provoking and informative examination of the rise of English as a global language and its implications for politics, society, culture, and education. It provides a detailed and nuanced account of the historical, political, and cultural factors that have contributed to the spread of English, and it brings to light the power of language in shaping our societies. The book is well written and accessible, making it suitable for a wide range of readers, including scholars, students and general readers interested in understanding the role of English in shaping our world.
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