Critical Perspectives on the Global Status of English

Abstract

This study examines front-burner perspectives on the global status of English. A modern trend of the world, globalization represents multifaceted developments across facets of life: architecture, communication, education, movie industry, science/technology, dressing, international diplomacy, etc. The implication is that language plays crucial role in the scope and values that erupt from globalization. Consequently, nations look outward for new norms in the scheme of things, and evolve means of coping with the attendant challenges of globalization. The theoretical framework of the study is Orisawayi’s (2005) “parameters for ascertaining development”. The study concludes that the global status of English is predicated upon by: its roles in other regions of the world; its being a language of wider communication (LWC); its development-promoting potential across the world; and its facilitating function in the cross-disciplinary transmission of knowledge in the era of globalization.