English language systems: Power and privilege

Privilege is the way in which people enjoy certain advantages in their lives because of the aspects of who they are or the way in which they have been raised. Such advantages make some people enjoy power compared to others, be it political or control of resources. When people are born in a position where they can acquire an influential language, for instance, English and its associated dialects as their mother tongue, they are in better positions of acquiring advantages in their society and, at times, in the whole world (Subtirelu, 2013). In general, language and social life are highly linked (Bourdieu & Thompson, 1991). A language should be viewed as a way through which people pursue their interests

Native speakers of English language have had certain advantages over the non-native speakers. The global integration of English has turned attention to ontological practice of learning the English language, and the transfer of ideas that are characterized by English, and specifically the American culture. There have been hegemonic reproductions of a series of social privilege, for example, the native English-speaker privilege (Kubota & Lin., 2009). The privileges have occurred within the borders of the United States, which shows how privileged the English language is.

An example of reproduction of systems of privileges is seen in South Korea, which has developed through the mechanism of globalization and English language, which has been traded as a global commodity (Kubota & Lin, 2009). Spread of White-middle class English in South Korea has born a system of social privilege, and brought about political, economic and historic ties between South Korea and the United States. Due to the relationship that has existed between the two countries has shaped the social and educational policies in South Korea, which has in turn influenced a systematic reproduction of privilege for English speakers. This explains the racial attitudes that the Koreans exhibits at their home country and in other countries.

South Korea was able to achieve political and economic power trough modernization that was as a result of influence of the English language. Due to interactions with the English native speakers from America where globalization started, the nation acquired social capital that was instrumental in building their economic power. According to Bourdieu & Thompson (1991), political power is achieved when words are tuned into deeds and when symbolic characters are represented. In this case, representation by the highly influential native English speakers helped the nation to become a super power nation.

English speakers in the United States are advantaged compared to non- English speakers, particularly the immigrants and some citizens who cannot speak English. Those citizens who speak English as the second language are often faced with difficulties, especially when interpreting road signs. In other circumstances, participating in educational activities or other professional activities proves hard when one cannot communicate well in English (Subtirelu, 2013). English is associated with great power such that the immigrants who find themselves in the United States due to one reason or another will learn English since it is inevitable. For instance, their children will be forced to learn English in order to catch up at school and in other areas in the community.

In other circumstances where other languages speakers other than English speakers have made an attempt to access either social, political or educational institutions for their advancement, the privileged English speakers have always perceived it as unwarranted. English speakers dominate the political power and they have often argued that it is unjust to provide electoral materials in other languages other than English (Subtirelu, 2013), thus the domination of the English speakers in the political system of the Unite States. According to Fairclough (1989), language can contribute to some people having dominance over others.

Language is also involved in power and is the main drive in the struggle of power. This is achieved through its ideological properties, since people are able to express their ideas in a way that can earn command from other people. In addition, discourse has an effect on social structures, and can also be determined by the social structures (Fairclough, 1989). English language, in this case, determines the social and institutional structures in the English-speaking countries.

In conclusion, English speakers have certain privileges that other language speakers do not have, thus the association of English with power. The social life of people and their language are highly related. In line with this, people use a language to pursue their interests and pass their ideas across. English language has reproduced privilege and power in South Korea, where the country has been able to acquire economic, social and political power due to interactions with the English speakers from the United States. The non-English speakers in the United States are also faced with a challenge of reading road signs and accessing education systems of the country, putting the English speakers in a privileged position. Language has been viewed as the main instrument in the struggle for power, and in this case, English language puts a country in a better position to lead in all types of powers.

References

Bourdieu, P. & Thompson, J., B. (1991). Language and symbolic power. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.

Fairclough, N. (1989). Language and power. New York: Longman Group UK Limited.

Kubota, R., & Lin, A., M. (2009). Race, culture, and identities in second language education: Exploring critically engaged practice. London: Routledge

Subtirelu, N. (2013). Language privilege: What it is and why it matters. Linguistic Pulse. Retrieved from: http://linguisticpulse.com/2013/06/26/language-privilege-what-it-is-and-why-it-matters/