The power and politics of English

Abstract

Abstract: The issues related to power and politics of the English language are presented specifically in relation to the unprecedented global spread of the language. Several perspectives—linguistic and non‐linguistic—used to conceptualize the relationship between language and power are considered, particularly that of Michel Foucault. The power‐related issues, and their manifestations and implications, are seen in terms of various control‐acquiring strategies resulting in political manipulations and language conflicts. The interplay of power and politics within the three Concentric Circles of English (Kachru, 1985a) is shown in issues related to sociolinguistics, linguistic innovations and language pedagogy. It is claimed that the most vital power is that of the ‘ideological change’ which has been attributed to the knowledge of the English language and literature in the Outer and Expanding Circles. The paper aims at providing a blueprint for the study and conceptualization of selected issues related to the power and politics of an international language. Copyright © 1986, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved