Changing constructs of linguistic imperialism: religion, polity, and economics

Abstract

Language, more than perhaps any other single entity, has been a tool of identity assertion from time immemorial. As the most exclusive possession of our species, language predates religion and polity. Being of such significance in our lives, it could not be kept away from the natural human tendencies of domination and discrimination. It became an instrument of power. Aberrations aside, linguistic imperialism is increasingly becoming a more internecine force of human civilization. When primacy of civil liberty and universal freedom ensures us against any forced compulsion, choice is all ours. And the choice is English. English has become a sort of centre of gravity around which the international varieties revolve resulting in language convergence. When we have learnt to respect plurality and make protection arrangements for the survival of minority and lesser-known languages, we are facing a natural force just opposite in direction and effect. Linguistic imperialism seems irrevocable. This paper examines how this instrument of power has traversed through history along the forces of religion, polity, and commerce of the day, resulting in linguistic imperialism as we may call it.