2. Linguistics Imperialism Definition
Linguistic imperialism is the imposition of
one language on speakers of other
languages. Also known as linguistic
nationalism, linguistic dominance, and
language imperialism.
In our time, the global expansion of English
has often been cited as example of linguistic
imperialism.
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3. Linguistics Imperialism Definition
The term “linguistic imperialism”
originated in the 1930s as part of a
critique of Basic English and was
reintroduced by linguist Robert
Phillipson in his monograph
Linguistic Imperialism (OUP, 1992)
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4. Major boosters of English
•Business and trade
• International
Politics
• International
Education Aid
•Internet
• News Media
Technology
Most advanced
sciences researches
5. English as social phenomenon
1. It brings changes in attitudes.
2. It promotes class system in society.
3. It encourages discrimination
between knowledgeable and fluent
in English
4. It has become language of power
5. Language of secrecy
6. Success is only in English language
6. Why remote imperialism?
• To keep them at ease, let other people have
hectic, let them learn to do trade with them.
• To be everywhere in the world through their
language (indirectly through their culture).
• Earning is also one of main reasons, such as
TESOL and TOEFIC tests
• English people want to control the world
remotely, which is similar to colonization.
(Modern Colonization)
7. Effects of Linguistic Imperialism
• English becomes barrier against
education.
• English is a symbolic language, which
effects none speaker’s social, personal,
and economic life.
• Non-English speaker will have sense of
inferiority over English people.
• More popularity of English will lead our
indigenous languages and culture to the
brink of death.
8. Misconceptions and Realities
• If one speaks English fluently in Pakistan, he/she
is considered to be an educated person.
• Native speakers assert that English has an intrinsic
quality of accommodation, amalgamation, and
coexistence.
• English is superior to other languages. Which is
not true.
• No language is superior to other.
• British English is standard English.
• Success is only possible through English language.
• Language can not be itself imperialistic in nature.
9. Linguistic or Cultural
Imperialism
• Imperialism: Conquer and control another country
(J.Downing & A. Mohammadi).
• Linguistic Imperialism: Transfer of a dominant
language to other people (R. Phillipson)
• Cultural Imperialism: Superimpose one culture
over another (H. Schiller)
10. English People’s Efforts in
Promotion of their Language
• US & Tesol International partnership for promoting
English ELT language skills.
• British ELT efforts in Thailand and Ukraine such as:
• Emphasizing monolingualism
• Native as ideal teacher
• USAid & British Council in Pakistan
• Pakistan American Culture Center (PACC)
• Through globalization, they are promoting their
language (McDoland is prime example)
• Phillipson condemns the institutions of IMF, British
Council & World Bank for misguiding people showing
English people as well trained, well educated in
Education, economy, and politics.
11. Conclusion
1. Our indigenous languages are equally
beautiful as English itself is.
2. English is coming as very strong force,
which can’t be stopped so it is better to
go with current.
3. We can promote multi-lingual society,
but we must grasp English since almost
every important aspect of life is related
to English
13. References
• M. K. (n.d.). English as lingua franca: A linguistic imperialism? Www.dawn.com.
Retrieved August 6, 2016, from http://www.dawn.com/news/1028971
• Burns, A. (n.d.). Is English a form of linguistic imperialism? Retrieved August 8,
2016, from https://www.britishcouncil.org/voices-magazine/english-form-
linguistic-imperialism
• Phillipson, R. (2012). Linguistic imperialism alive and kicking. Retrieved August 7,
2016, from https://www.theguardian.com/education/2012/mar/13/linguistic-
imperialism-english-language-teaching
• Siddiqui, S. (2016, May 2). Linguistic imperialism. Retrieved August 8, 2016, from
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/116798-Linguistic-imperialism
• Robert Phillipson (1997) Realities and Myths of Linguistic Imperialism, Journal of
Multilingual and Multicultural Development, 18:3, 238-248,
DOI:10.1080/01434639708666317
• A. (2012). What is Language Imperialism? Retrieved August 5, 2016, from
http://www.east-west-dichotomy.com/what-is-language-imperialism/
