Concepts
What is linguistic imperialism?
The dominance of one language over others, often associated with colonialism or globalization.
This U.S. state successfully revitalized its local language through immersion schools.
Hawaii
In former colonies, legal systems often function only in the language of the former colonizer, making it difficult for indigenous language speakers to navigate legal matters.
Legal linguistic imperialism
What is cultural linguistic imperialism?
When language dominance is tied to cultural dominance.
After the fall of Franco's regime, this region worked to revitalize its native language, Euskera.
Basque country
Much of the content on the internet is in English, and many programming languages and software tools are designed with English as the primary language.
Technological linguistic imperialism
When the dominance of a language is tied to its economic advantages, it is called:
Economic linguistic imperialism.
Mention how does imperialism affect education
Limited access to education.
Syllabus designs that marginalize native knowledge.
In many post-colonial countries, English remains the medium of instruction in schools and universities, even when it's not the first language of the students. This often creates barriers to learning for those not fluent in English.
Educational linguistic imperialism
What is covert linguistic imperialism?
When a dominant language is promoted through ideologies or policies that may not explicitly aim to replace local languages.
Mention some efforts made in education in order to fight against linguistic imperialism
Integrating minority languages into curriculum.
Training teachers to provide multiligual education.
Developing educational materials in local languages.
The promotion of English as the language of global business and higher education can marginalize other languages, even if there is no explicit policy mandating English.
Covert linguistic imperialism
The process by which a community adopts a dominant language while losing its original language and identity is known as:
Linguistic assimilation.
What is the name of the native language that Mapuche people tried to revitalize?
Mapudungun.
During the British colonial period, English was made the official language in many colonies, and indigenous languages were suppressed.
Overt linguistic imperialism