Language, Power, and Race: A Comparative Approach to the Sociopolitics of English

• Main Author: Jaimungal, Cristina S.
• Other Authors: Christine, Connelly
• Language: en_ca
• Published: 2013
• Subjects: Politics of Language; Race; Language Policy; Power; Japan; Trinidad and Tobago; Language Education; Education; Anti-racism research methodology; Language Politics; Language Production; Commodification of Language; Racialized Bodies and Language; Colonialism; English; International Communication; Education Policy; Language Ideology; Critical Language Theory; Comparative Theory; Sociopolitics of English; Auto-ethnography; Linguicide; Post-Colonialism; Indigenous Research Methodology; 0534; 0631; 0282; 0700; 0344; 0279; 0340; 0530
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/1807/42856

This thesis highlights the sociopolitics of English as a dominant/colonial language by focusing on the linkage between language, power, and race. Grounded in critical language theory, comparative education theory, and anti-racism research methodology, this research examines the inextricable relationship between language, power, and race. With this in mind, this thesis argues that language, specifically English, is not a neutral tool of communication but a highly contentious issue that is deeply embedded in sociopolitical ideologies and practices. The contexts of Japan and Trinidad and Tobago are used to illustrate how colonialism continues to impact English language policy, practice, and perceptions. In sum, this research aims to bridge the gap between critical language theory, comparative education theory, and anti-racism studies in a way that (1) highlights the complexity of language politics, (2) explores ideological assumptions inherent in the discourse of the "native" language, and (3) underscores the overlooked ubiquity of race.