English in the Developing World
In developmental contexts, we need to understand the tensions between the old models of power that saw the imposition of English, the emerging dynamics created by globalisation and the complex factors that constitute people's choices. This requires understanding the full implications of English provision across political, economic
and socio-cultural spheres. This project sets out to understand, and explore fully these complex relationships and identify the full potential of the language in development.
and socio-cultural spheres. This project sets out to understand, and explore fully these complex relationships and identify the full potential of the language in development.
making good use of the remarkable benefits of economic connections, technological process and political opportunity in a way that pays adequate attention to the interests of the deprived and the underdog. This is not, in fact, a question of rubbishing global economic relations, but of making the immense benefits of globalisation more fairly shared'
Amartya Sen, Identity and Violence
In As You Like It, we examined the relationship between English and the changing dynamics of globalisation. The pamphlet identified the need to look at the role of English in developmental contexts and 'to understand the tensions between old models of power that saw the imposition of English and the emerging dynamics created by flows of capital and people, and the complex factors that constitute people's choices'. Not enough work has been done to understand and explore fully these complex relationships and demonstrate the full potential of the role of the language in development.
On the one hand, English presents enormous opportunities and, on the other, it poses enormous dangers to developing countries. It offers the potential to lift millions out of poverty, but it can also embed inequality and destroy local cultures.
However, to some extent, this is a false dichotomy and is, in itself, a threat. To date, we have failed to understand the dynamics of English as a means to development, which has led to English provision not fulfilling its development potential. Often, it is used simply as a tool for economic growth and market access, aggravating fears that it represents cultural hegemony, destroying indigenous cultures and languages and resulting in resentment and rejection.
Development should be bottom-up and protect individual values. We need to shift perspective and see English provision in the same terms. English impacts on a range of economic, social and political aspects of development. It can help citizens keep governments to account, empower civil society and enable people to escape traditional oppressive relationships. But, in the same individually-based ways, it can also re-shape societies, embed new linguistic inequality, and lead to a brain drain.
As increasing numbers of countries seek to use English for economic ends, it is vital that these complex and intertwined relationships are understood and the individual is not ignored. Only by doing this can governments, civil society groups and businesses work together to ensure that the English language fulfils its potential to empower and assist millions of people around the globe.