One of the claims about the prevalence of the English language is that people want to learn it because it helps them deal with real-world problems they face - English provides them access to the networks and contacts that can help them get jobs and take advantage of global trade.

The flip-side of that argument is, of course, that such a 'real world' problem is framed within a certain context manifesting particular relations of power - and that acquiescing in the face of that real-world dilemma is the worst kind of political pragmatism.

Power never disappears. So to what extent, and in what ways, is English linked to a particular political project? And what is the UKs particular investment in that? What should the government do about it?
These are some of the core issues we're thinking about in the research on language teaching and policy. If you have any thoughts you'd like to share, do let us know.

It's a complex problem. I've just read Claire Kramsch's 'Post 9/11: Foreign Languages between Knowledge and Power' (purchase or ATHENS login required unfortunately...power and knowledge?!) which is really strong in mapping out the role linguistics can play in unmasking the role of power in framing how we understand 'real world problems'. If you can, I'd recommend giving it a read.

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