DOES THE GLOBAL SPREAD OF ENGLISH PROMOTE EQUALITY OR INEQUALITY?
Keywords:
Globalization, English language, linguistic imperialism, social equality, cultural diversity, education, identity, access.Abstract
The global spread of English has generated significant debates across social, cultural, educational, and economic domains. While English is often described as a global lingua franca that connects diverse peoples and facilitates communication, it is also associated with issues of linguistic imperialism and social stratification. This article explores both sides of the debate, examining whether the predominance of English fosters greater equality among peoples of the world or whether it perpetuates new forms of inequality. Drawing from a wide range of literature and theoretical perspectives, this paper analyses the impact of English on education, identity, access to resources, and cultural diversity. The article concludes by considering the role of English in the future of global society and proposes pathways to harness its potential for more inclusive outcomes.
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