Why English Became an Additional Language in Many Countries

English is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world. It is taught as an additional language in schools, used in business, and often required for jobs. Sociologist Pierre Bourdieu, a French scholar, explained how languages carry power and give advantages to those who speak them, helping to understand why English became so dominant globally.

Linguistic Capital

Bourdieu explains that linguistic capital means the value a language holds in everyday activities, such as education, jobs, and social mobility. English became an additional and required language in many countries mainly because of colonial history. However, Bourdieu argued that colonialism alone does not fully explain why English dominates today.

Power and Control

According to Bourdieu, the rise of English is also linked to power. The United States and the United Kingdom use English as a tool to influence politics, economics, and culture worldwide. People who learn English often gain better job opportunities, higher salaries, and more chances for success, which makes the language even more powerful.

Economic Benefits

Bourdieu believed that governments support English not only for communication but also for economic benefits. As more people focus on learning English, the language spreads globally, bringing profits and influence to countries where English is dominant.

Cultural Loss

While English brings advantages, it can also weaken local languages and cultures. Bourdieu warned that this focus on English often destroys cultural diversity. Still, the United States and the United Kingdom benefit, since the spread of English strengthens their global control.

References

Allington, Da & Mayor, Ba (eds) 2012, 'Communicating in English', Routledge, Canada.