The English Language: Is it an Asset or a Threat? [Course Name] Essay

This essay examines the ongoing debate regarding the English language's role as either an asset or a threat, particularly focusing on its impact on culture and identity. The essay argues that the English language may pose a threat to cultural identity, referencing studies on language and education, s...Read More

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Running head: The English Language
The English Language: An Asset or a Threat
Student
Institution

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The English Language
While some nations promote the use of English, others have shunned it and stuck with
their own languages. It is no doubt however that the English language has wide usage in the
world acquiring the status of a global language (Crystal, 2003). This paper will argue that the
English language is more of a threat than an asset.
Language embodies the culture, values, behaviors and the style of thinking. The
importation of a language therefore brings along some culture elements which that language
embodies (Hamilton, 2013). Those countries that encourage use of English expect that their
citizens will adopt some cultures whether good or bad from the English speaking countries.
English language thus may be a threat to the cultures of any nation that encourages its use.
A study conducted in Australia showed lower performance in schools of students from
the Aboriginal English background, partly caused by students feeling that their language was not
being respected at school which they considered part of them and their identity, so they felt that
school was not about them due to preference of the Standard Australian English (SAE)
(Sharifian, 2008). Thus English has been seen as a tool of isolating people from their identity.
In other nations however, English language is considered an asset and has an important
role to play to modernize and develop and therefore the need to strengthen and expand its
teaching. At a personal level, it has been regarded as resulting to some social economic
opportunities as it gives the individual access to employment in both the private and public
sectors and advancement in profession and social prestige (Hu, 2002b).
The English language needs an evaluation of its relationship with culture and identity of
people and their power. Some nations have considered English a threat to their identities while
others are encouraging its teaching as it is seen as a tool for modernization. This paper has

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The English Language
argued that English is more of a threat than an asset as it may lead to people losing their culture
and identity.
References
Crystal, D. (2003). English as a Global Language. Cambridge University Press.
Hamilton, C. (2013). The Curse of Speaking English. ABC.Net. Retrieved October 9, 2017 from:
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-10-03/hamilton-curse-of-speaking-english/4993940
Hu, G. (2002b). English Language Teaching in the People’s Republic of China. In Rita Elaine
Silver, Guangwei Hu & Masakazu Iino (Eds), English Language Education in China,
Japan, and Singapore (pp. 1–77).Singapore: National Institute of Education.
Sharifian, F. (2008). Aboriginal English in the Classroom: An Asset or a Liability? Language
Awareness , Volume 17, 2008 - Issue 2