Colonisation Flashcards
Kandiah
Believed that the reason for the spread of the English Language was due to colonisation.
David Crystal
- English was distributed around the world as the language of the British Empire.
- It was the language of the industrial revolution, technological innovation and western science.
- It is the language of the USA, the world’s remaining super-power.
Colonial Expansion and Imposition of English
Historical Context: During the era of European colonization, particularly by the British Empire, English was imposed in various regions as the language of administration, governance, and education.
Impact: The spread of English through colonization established it as a language of power and authority, contributing to its global recognition.
Educational Systems and Language Policies
Colonial Legacy: Many colonized regions adopted English as the language of instruction in schools and universities, reinforcing its role as a language of education and knowledge dissemination.
Impact: The English language became associated with access to formal education, contributing to its status as a global language of academia.
Legal and Administrative Services
Colonial Influence: English often became the language of legal and administrative structures in colonies, influencing the development of legal systems, government institutions, and official documentation.
Impact: The legacy of English in legal and administrative domains persists in many post-colonial nations, contributing to its recognition in international contexts.
Media and Cultural Influence
Colonial Media Influence: English-language media, literature, and cultural products produced during colonial periods had a lasting impact on shaping perceptions of English as a language of culture and sophistication.
Impact: English-language media, including literature, films, and music, continues to exert influence globally, contributing to the recognition of English as a cultural and creative language.
Economic factors and Trade
Colonial Commerce: English became a language of trade and commerce during colonization, with colonial powers using it as a means of communication in economic transactions.
Impact: The association of English with economic activities contributed to its adoption in international business and trade, reinforcing its status as a global language.
Linguistic Legacy and Hybridisation
Colonial Language Contact: English, through colonization, came into contact with local languages, leading to linguistic hybridization and the development of distinct regional varieties.
Impact: Post-colonial English varieties, often influenced by local languages and cultures, contribute to the diversity of World Englishes and the global recognition of English as a flexible and adaptable language.
Migration and Diaspora
Colonial Migration: The movement of people during colonial periods contributed to the spread of English through migration and diaspora.
Impact: English-speaking diaspora communities and their influence in various regions have contributed to the recognition of English as a global language with widespread use and influence.
