LANGUAGE IN INDIA

Strength for Today and Bright Hope for Tomorrow

Volume 25:10 October 2025
ISSN 1930-2940

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         Nathan Mulder Bunce, M.A., Ph.D. Candidate
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         B. Mallikarjun, Ph.D.
         A. R. Fatihi, Ph.D.
         G. Baskaran, Ph.D.
         T. Deivasigamani, Ph.D.
         Pammi Pavan Kumar, Ph.D.
         Soibam Rebika Devi, M.Sc., Ph.D.

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English Imperialism and Identity Alienation: A Critical Reflection Under a Global Context

YuXuan Shen

Abstract

This paper critically examines the relationship between English imperialism and identity alienation among multilingual individuals in non-Western contexts. Grounded in frameworks of linguistic imperialism, symbolic power, and neoliberal language ideologies, the study identifies four key dimensions of identity alienation: cultural insecurity, communicative marginalization, othering, and second-class citizenship. Drawing on recent empirical studies, cross-national case analyses, and decolonial scholarship, the article argues that the global dominance of English is not a neutral phenomenon but a structurally embedded power dynamic. It further suggests that fostering cultural confidence, critical language awareness, and plurilingual policies can mitigate these alienating effects. By reframing global communication from an English-centric model to a plurilingual approach, this research contributes to ongoing debates in applied linguistics, education, and cultural studies.

Keywords:English Imperialism, Identity Alienation, Intercultural Competence, Multilingualism, Symbolic Power

Introduction

English has become the most widely used lingua franca in the 21st century, with more than 1.7 billion people using it regularly (EF Education First, 2024). Its global presence spans education, business, technology, and international governance, giving English an unrivaled status in shaping communication across cultures. However, this dominance is not the result of a neutral, organic process. Instead, it is deeply rooted in colonial legacies, neoliberal globalization, and institutionalized power structures that privilege English while marginalizing other languages (Crystal, 2003; Graddol, 2006; Phillipson, 1992).

This paper examines the phenomenon of identity alienation — the psychological, cultural, and social estrangement that occurs when multilingual speakers experience their linguistic identities being undervalued, erased, or stigmatized in English-dominant contexts. By analyzing diverse case studies and scholarly debates, the study identifies the mechanisms through which English’s global spread produces alienating effects and explores possible responses to this linguistic hierarchy.

This is only the beginning part of the article. PLEASE CLICK HERE TO READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE IN PRINTER-FRIENDLY VERSION.

YuXuan Shen
Assumption University of Thailand
Mercy0923x@gmail.com
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