‘English on Sale’ in India and China: Some Comments on Linguistic Colonialism and Consumerism

by Open Science Repository Education
(January 2014)

Abstract


Owing to the globalization, technological expansion and economic upsurge, a great importance has been attached to English as a global language. A mighty step towards learning English by China is set to bring a change in the linguistic dynamics and a trend of learning English which is bringing forth the death of languages and changing the dynamics of job opportunities. This acutely deserves the attention of the people across the globe to find out the ways to establish a balance between the linguistic unity and the social, educational and economic equity and equality in the developing country like that of India.

This paper debates with reference to some established theories, existing hypothesis and the stark trends of using English by non-English speaking countries majorly China and India. This also further delves deeper into the limitations, reasons and benefits of using English as a common language. The paper also investigates the educational policies “why, how and what English (both as a language and identity) is on the ‘sale’ for Chinese students to bring ‘New Concepts’ brought by ‘Crazy English’ that ‘Sparks’ the educational objectives of China, both as a country and a nation state” (1). There are some excerpts which compare the situations pertaining to English learning in China and India in the current scenario.

Keywords: China, India, English.

Full text


‘English on Sale’ in India and China: Some Comments on Linguistic Colonialism and Consumerism

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