Linguistic Imperialism

The entry presents the key constituents of linguistic imperialism. Principles for English learning that are central to the promotion of English worldwide by the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States are questioned. Monolingualism was imposed in the UK historically and in settler colonies in the Americas and Australasia. This occurred in Roman times and in the racist empires of other European countries. The myth of terra nullius, the false marketing of dominant languages, and imperialist language policies served to achieve the dispossession of others' territories, cultures, and languages. Comparable linguicist policies are in force in Turkey and China. Policies of linguistic imperialism in North America can be considered as constituting cultural and linguistic genocide. The World Bank has imposed language policies that strengthen English and marginalize local languages. A study of the increased use of English in higher education shows the importance of assessing whether linguistic imperialism impacts other languages negatively. A study of linguistic imperialism in World Englishes documentation shows that there is a tendency to fail to address linguistic inequalities. Inequalities are intensified by the spread of “international” schools and of English-medium universities. In Scandinavia and Finland, language policies ensure that an increased use of English in no way reduces the importance of national languages. Bilingual policies in higher education can counteract linguistic imperialism. In the European Union system and in member states, the use of English is increasing, but the vitality of national languages is generally ensured.