The utility and cultural framing of global English: Perspectives from a group of Korean English users

Increased global mobility, online and offline, can foreground more nuanced interpretations of Global English and its cultural cycles. Adopting a Cosmopolitan Perspective and utilising semi-structured interviews, this study investigated seven Korean English users' views on English's global...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Cogent arts & humanities 2021-01, Vol.8 (1)
Main Author: Ruane, Colum
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Attitudes
Cosmopolitanism
Culture
ELF
Global English
Humanities
Imperialism
Language
language ideologies
linguistic imperialism
Linguistics
Multiculturalism & pluralism
Social sciences
Society
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Summary:Increased global mobility, online and offline, can foreground more nuanced interpretations of Global English and its cultural cycles. Adopting a Cosmopolitan Perspective and utilising semi-structured interviews, this study investigated seven Korean English users' views on English's global utility and cultural affiliations. Overall, English was highly regarded for its ability to offer global connectivity, opportunity, and access to knowledge. However, while framed as a global asset, it was described merely as a tool among many when engaging with the world. Widespread internet usage leading to increased visibility of many other languages was an implicating factor for English being described as "not the only way". English's Western affiliations were affirmed while it was also expressed that English is a vehicle for many global voices encapsulating an ever-evolving international culture. Within the scope of increased global interconnectedness, such perspectives demonstrate that these polarities are not mutually exclusive and are insights not necessarily encumbered by imperialistic undertones. The findings suggest that heightened global mobility is leading to enhanced global sensitivities which can eventuate more critical dispositions towards English usage. This can lead to renewed insights into the characterisation of Global English within ELT practice.
ISSN:2331-1983
2331-1983
DOI:10.1080/23311983.2021.1954319