ENGLISH AS A HEGEMONIC LEGACY OF LINGUISTIC IMPERIALISM IN POSTCOLONIAL SOCIETIES: AN INSIGHT FROM HIGHER EDUCATION CONTEXT

Abstract

The role of English in the current globalized world has become impertinent for survival.  However, the importance of English did not stem from the natural attributes of the language but, over the course of history, from the mighty use of power and strategic planning by its speakers. In countries like Pakistan, English is considered a superior language which enjoys social and economic privileges. Though, it was colonization that established English as a dominant language in Pakistan; it is the policies and the consistent association of privileges with English that entrenches English imperialism which then drives people to use it as a manipulative tool. This study delved into analyzing the participation of people in establishing the linguistic imperialism in academic settings in postcolonial societies. With a mixed-method approach, 100 participants were recruited for questionnaire and 6 for interviews. The findings of the study revealed that people do not consciously use English for the motive to gain advantage in conversation. However, they do get to enjoy social privileges by being able to speak English in an academic setting. Moreover, the impact on listeners also reaffirmed the colonized mindset which further explains why English speakers enjoy social prestige.