This research paper will deal with the question if the English language can be considered as an actual “killer language” which would classify English as a language that can be held responsible for language deaths world-wide.
At first I will give an insight to the rise of the English language. The chapter will feature a chronological summary from the beginnings of the spread of English during the age of British colonization up to the present-day status of English in which the spread is mainly attributed to the United States of America. How languages die will be discussed in the third chapter. The causes and dynamics between the dominated and dominating language necessary for language death to occur will be elaborated in order to understand how languages are dying at an incredibly rapid rate. The next chapter will deal with effects language death has had, is having and will have on societies. Identity loss, social inequality through English, the resulting necessary changes in educational systems and the possibility of global cultural homogeneity will be discussed. Chapter four will be somewhat of a continuation of chapter three. I will exhibit effects English has had on the Aboriginal community in Australia and give examples of attempts Australian institutions have made to preserve remaining Aboriginal languages. The conclusion will complete this research paper with a summary of the findings and the answer to the question if the English language really was and is the cause for language death.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Historical background
- The spread due to the British colonialism
- The spread due to the British leadership in the Industrial Revolution
- The spread due to the American political leadership and economic power
- The spread due to the American technological domination
- How do languages die?
- Effects on societies
- Identity-loss
- Social inequality
- Education
- Global homogeneity
- Consequences of language death for Aboriginal Australians
- Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This research paper investigates whether English can be considered a "killer language" responsible for language deaths globally. The paper examines the historical rise of English, analyzes how languages die, and explores the impact of language death on societies. It focuses on the role of English in the context of globalization and power dynamics between nations.
- The historical spread of English
- The mechanisms of language death
- The effects of language death on identity, social inequality, and education
- The consequences of language death for Aboriginal Australians
- The impact of globalization on language diversity
Chapter Summaries
- Introduction: The introduction sets the stage for the research paper by discussing the role of English in globalization and the potential for language death in this context. It outlines the paper's objectives and structure, including the exploration of the historical spread of English, the processes of language death, and the effects on societies.
- Historical background: This chapter examines the historical phases of English's global spread, from the British colonial era to the present-day American technological domination. It analyzes how British colonialism, the Industrial Revolution, American political and economic power, and technological advancements have contributed to the dominance of English.
- How do languages die?: This chapter delves into the concept of language death and its mechanisms. It explores the various factors contributing to language death, including the loss of native speakers due to external forces like genocide or natural disasters, and the gradual decline in language transmission across generations. The chapter highlights the complex reasons behind language shift and the challenges faced by speakers in maintaining their native languages.
- Effects on societies: This chapter focuses on the multifaceted effects of language death on societies. It examines the impact on identity, social inequality, education systems, and the possibility of global cultural homogeneity. The chapter explores how the dominance of English can lead to the marginalization of minority languages and cultures.
- Consequences of language death for Aboriginal Australians: This chapter specifically examines the impact of language death on the Aboriginal community in Australia. It provides examples of the attempts made by Australian institutions to preserve remaining Aboriginal languages and the challenges they face.
Keywords
This research paper explores the concept of language death, focusing on the role of English in globalization and its potential impact on societies. Key themes include language dominance, cultural hegemony, identity loss, social inequality, education, and the preservation of indigenous languages. The paper examines historical processes of English's global spread, analyzes the mechanisms of language death, and investigates the consequences for various communities.
- Quote paper
- Henry Quevedo (Author), 2016, Is English a "Killer Language"? Effects Language Death has on Societies, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/424734
