Analysis of globalization and “Englishization” in Pakistan

Abstract

Through framework of theories analyzing globalization, and secondary data, this paper asks, how globalization through “Englishization” affects Pakistani societies. Language is an important tool for globalization where the world is communicating in few dominant languages. English has become the language of globalization in many countries especially developing countries like Pakistan. Pakistan is a developing country with low rate of literacy. Despite the fact that about half of Pakistani population cannot read, write or speak English, English has been the official language of Pakistan. The desire to actively participate in national and international levels and the perception of the Pakistani people about English as a language of civilized people have also pushed Pakistan to focus on English as the medium of instruction in schools. However, as there is quality discrepancy within Pakistani schools, this policy is benefiting more to the powerful people who send their children to high-quality local and international schools, widening the gap between the powerful and less powerful societies. The paper provides an overview of changing patterns of globalization in connection with English language, and explores the moving patterns of society and education towards a dominant language in Pakistan.