The Rise of English: Global Politics and the Power of Language

English is the world's most spoken language, benefiting communication but causing legal conflicts and stratifying society. Rosemary Salomone argues for English as a core component of multilingualism and the transcendence of linguistic and cultural borders.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 504 pages
Publication date: 15 March 2024
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

English, the language spoken by a quarter of the world's population, has emerged as the global lingua franca, serving as a common tongue for communication across borders. Its significance in business, popular media, and international politics has led to its commodification, as it has become valued for its economic benefits and detached from any particular nation. This remarkable rise of English has brought about numerous advantages, including facilitating travel, promoting direct political engagement, enabling collaborative research, and fostering business prosperity in the global economy. However, it has also sparked intense legal conflicts, particularly in Europe where the preservation of national languages and heritage competes with the demands of political integration, job mobility, and university rankings. In countries like India, South Africa, Morocco, and Rwanda, English proficiency has become a marker of social status, leading to the devaluation of commonly spoken languages. Moreover, in Anglophone countries like the United States and England, the dominance of English isolates individuals from the cultural and economic benefits of speaking other languages.

In her book "The Rise of English," Rosemary Salomone provides a comprehensive account of the unprecedented spread of English and its far-reaching effects on global and local politics, economics, media, education, and business. Drawing on a wealth of research, Salomone delves into the intricate workings of the European Union, China's use of language as soft power in Africa, and the diverse ways in which English is being adopted and adapted across different regions. Through her analysis, Salomone argues that English should not be viewed as a force for domination but rather as a core component of multilingualism and the transcendence of linguistic and cultural borders. She advocates for a more inclusive and equitable approach to language learning and use, recognizing the value of diverse languages and cultures in shaping a more interconnected and prosperous world.

The rise of English has had a profound impact on global communication, shaping the way people interact, exchange ideas, and navigate the world. While it has brought about many benefits, it is important to acknowledge the challenges and complexities associated with its spread. By promoting multilingualism and embracing the diversity of languages and cultures, we can create a more inclusive and equitable society where the benefits of English are shared by all.

Dimension: 235 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197765753