Summary about English in Globalization, a Lingua Franca or a Lingua Frankensteinia?

 

English in Globalization, a Lingua Franca or a Lingua Frankensteinia?

By Robert Phillipson

TESOL claims to be a global organization because we live in globalized world where English language is the main language and this organization has as a purpose spread the English through the world., which is why this expansionist vision of TESOL is very similar to the colonizing policies of the United States, where teaching language is seen as a tool to colonize by replacing the languages ​​of different countries by English. Therefore, this indicates that the vision of TESOL about other languages ​​different from English is not very active and in TESOL English language is treated as the "best" language in the globalized world and for that reason TESOL tries to despise or minimize the importance of the different languages ​​and cultures different from English language and United States’ culture, in addition, When English supplants another language the learners are dispossessed of their languages, their territory, and their functions, for that reason we must be careful and do not replace our native language or our culture for any foreign language.

Also, English language is taking over spaces that were previously occupied by national languages; the author explains that what is needed as a more ethical alternative is international English projects that strike a sustainable balance between English and other languages, for that reason we need to take a balanced when we teach English, because we need to preserve our identity and at the same time learn the English language because it is a way to have more opportunities. According to author, some authors use the definition of lingua Franca incorrectly because as it falsely assumes that language is neutral and free of culture; the English language has different labeled.

In conclusion, I agree with the author's vision, we must be very careful when teaching English as a foreign language, we as teachers must instill in students the preservation of our identity and not exalt any foreign culture. also I agree with the author when he points the need to rethink about these cultural issues, every day it is more necessary that English teachers  aware about their  practice of teaching and about the cultural conflicts that may arise. furthermore, I believe that the review of the role of TESOL is necessary, this organization must respect different cultures and languages ​​that are different from English and this organization should not follow the policies of the United States, which consider that USA is the model to follow around the world, but this is not true, each country has its own identity and should be respected even though we living in a world globalized.