How English as a lingua franca contributes to language death : historical and linguistics perspectives. The cases of Bo and Eyak
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Date
2025
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Universidad Fasta. Facultad de Ciencias de la EducaciĆ³n
Abstract
Description
This study explores the significant yet often overlooked impact of English, functioning as a global lingua franca, on the gradual disappearance of minority languages. Drawing from historical evidence, sociolinguistic theory, and illustrative case studies, the research reveals how the global expansion of Englishā initially propelled by colonialism and later reinforced by globalizationāhas led to the decline, marginalization, and extinction of numerous indigenous languages. The paper provides a conceptual framework that outlines the stages of language decline and examines the mechanisms through which English has achieved dominance, particularly through political power, institutional education, and media influence.
At its core, the research analyzes how sociopolitical structures, and economic incentives disrupt intergenerational language transmission and promote English monolingualism at the expense of linguistic diversity. The case studies of Eyak, Bo, and Manx demonstrate the practical consequences of English hegemony. The paper concludes by emphasizing the urgent need to reassess global language policies and advocates for revitalization efforts aimed at preserving endangered languages before they are irretrievably lost.
Fil: Rosenstock, Juan SebastiĆ”n. Universidad Fasta. Facultad de Ciencias de la EducaciĆ³n; Argentina.
Fil: Bicoff, Carla. Universidad Fasta. Facultad de Ciencias de la EducaciĆ³n; Argentina.
Fil: Insaurralde, Andrea. Universidad Fasta. Facultad de Ciencias de la EducaciĆ³n; Argentina.
Fil: Rosenstock, Juan SebastiĆ”n. Universidad Fasta. Facultad de Ciencias de la EducaciĆ³n; Argentina.
Fil: Bicoff, Carla. Universidad Fasta. Facultad de Ciencias de la EducaciĆ³n; Argentina.
Fil: Insaurralde, Andrea. Universidad Fasta. Facultad de Ciencias de la EducaciĆ³n; Argentina.
Keywords
Global English, Language extinction, Endangered languages