Language is a complex system that humans use to communicate or express themselves. Alternatively, it is a communication mechanism used within a particular region or by a specific community. According to Alego & Butcher (2014), English originated in England and later spread out to other parts of the world through early human relations like slavery, exploration, the spread of Christianity, and colonization. English is currently the most widespread language globally, with 67 countries adopting it as an official language and over 1.34 billion speakers worldwide.
Presently, the United Kingdom, United States, Australia, and Canada use English as their first language and have the largest populations of native English speakers in the world. Other regions include Africa, Oceania, some parts of Asia, and the Caribbean. Like other languages, English has significantly evolved and developed several dialects spoken across the world. The major types include British, American, South Asian, Australian and New Zealand, and African English. Additionally, these dialects have numerous subdialects. For instance, American English consists of the Northern, Southern, Western, and Midland subdialects (Yule, 2020). Observably, the differences manifesting among the significant English dialects like in (spelling and pronunciation) are what sets them apart from one another. Regardless, all English dialects emanate from the same language framework.
Language attitude denotes the perceptions, prejudices, and opinions that shape an individual’s behavior towards a particular language. Typically, language attitudes are either positive or negative. Notably, there are numerous positive attitudes concerning English. Firstly,
English passes as the most influential language in the world. According to Chan (2019) a powerful language covers a wide geographical area, and it is extensively applicable in communication, economy, media, and diplomacy. Observably, English is the most functional language in all the dimensions stated above. For instance, English enables businesspeople, scholars, tourists, or any person traveling across the world to relatively overcome language barriers. In this way, English provides a universal opportunity for people to communicate, participate in the global economy, access information, and engage in international relations (Chan, 2019).
Throughout the years, the world has been experiencing massive knowledge production, dissemination, and consumption. So far, most scientific research, the internet, and media is in
English. Presently, English has over 25% (the most prominent share) of global internet users (Johnson, 2021). Due to this situation, most people worldwide have positive attitudes towards English to get in touch with the world’s events. Additionally, English has become a global academic language, with most research papers written and published in the language. As Rao (2018) stated, a lot of research goes unpublished or is rejected due to a lack of meeting the English academic standards that consist of good grammar, vocabulary, and proper sentence structures.
Undeniably, the most positive attitude about speaking English is that it offers an employment advantage. Most multinational corporations require their employees to communicate fluently in English (Oanh, 2012). While speaking English offers better chances for employment and career advancement in some societies, it is perceived to raise an individual’s social status. For instance, in most emerging economies, knowledge in English is affiliated with the rich and influential social class. In such settings, learning English or speaking English signifies intelligence and offers numerous benefits, among them obtaining leadership positions (Munandar, 2015). In this situation, most societies have prioritized learning and communicating in English to the detriment and near extinction of vernacular languages.
Undeniably, culture and humanity are inseparable. While all cultures are important, it is difficult not to admit that Western culture has greatly influenced other cultures worldwide. The English language is one of the primary mediums through which the Western culture reaches its consumers worldwide. Presently, a vast portion of the world’s population consumes western art, music, fashion, and cuisine. Additionally, the masses are immensely attracted to particular western personalities like politicians, celebrities, and athletes. In this context, most people embrace English as a vital channel through which they can also understand and become part of the popular culture.
Although English is associated with increased opportunities and possibilities, it is equally viewed in a negative light. Firstly, the massive spread of English hinders other equally essential languages (Ammon, 2010). As stated earlier, this is true to some extent as some countries have taken a keen interest in teaching English as the first language while neglecting native languages. The increasing popularization and teaching of English are an outright attempt to carve the world into a single sphere with only one language and culture.
Besides, there is a damaging global misconception that not knowing English signifies primitivity and backwardness. This notion relates to the fact that most native English-speaking countries are industrialized nations like the U.S and the United Kingdom. In this situation, developing countries promote English as the only language that promotes civilization, development, and prosperity. Ideologically and historically, some societies view English as the language of the oppressors and imperialists. For former British colonies, English was and is still a tool to legitimize and perpetuate slavery, colonization, and disempowerment through unequal relations (Nemecek, 2010). For instance, African history narrates how Europeans used English, French, and affiliated languages to trick Africans into fraudulent treaties and acquire higher human status.
Currently, and as stated, English is more than just a language. It is a lifestyle, culture, and relatively, a worldview. Even with its unifying factor, English is often used to divide society. In emerging economies, English is a preserve of the wealthy elite who use is a tool for discriminating against the majority poor and marginalized populations. Besides, the minor differences among English dialects often promote racialism and language discrimination among speakers. Typically, African and South Asian dialects are seen as impure and inferior to British and American English. In the United States, African American English is widely perceived as informal and inappropriate in schools or other formal settings. For instance, during Trayvon Martin’s trial, one of the most critical witness statements was criticized for its inappropriateness and informality. Surprisingly, the witness (Rachel Jeantel) communicated in African American English, a similar and equal dialect to Standard American English. Such an incidence portrays the underlying prejudice that some English dialects are inferior to others (Lippi-Green, 2012).
Without a doubt, English is numerously beneficial to humanity. Notwithstanding, noticeable problems are emanating from the massive emphasis on English. Firstly English is promoting cultural inequality in some regions. Secondly, the overuse of English is a significant threat to creativity, diversity, and linguistic liberty (Aponte, 2018). To ensure balance, we should give other languages as much attention and, if possible, employ them in research, technology, and innovation. Alternatively, there is a need to eradicate the superiority attached to speaking English, more so the significant dialects. In this way, all speakers will communicate without prejudice and ignorance of the factors that create their dialectic differences.
Reference
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