Positioning English in Cross-regional Developments in the Context of Globalization

This study examines the global implications of English within the context of globalization. In this regard, the influence of the language in native and non-native settings where it operates in capacities represented with varied nomenclatures (official language, national language, lingua franca, foreign language), are brought to the fore, in terms of the global status of English and the roles that the language performs within the scope, dynamics, prospects and constraints of globalization. Across the world, English demonstrates its communicative relevance in a wide range of discourse domains where proficiency in written and spoken English is an advantage to language users. To construe the world status of the English language in the of globalization, it is necessary to locate its development potential. Development is crucial in governance as every elected government aspires to improve the wellbeing of its citizens. Hinging on Orisawayi’s (2005: 13-14) development parameters as a theoretical framework, this study concludes that given the global status and roles of English, the language facilitates development in all nations: English guarantees access to knowledge, fosters cross-regional communication, enables nations to cope with globalization-related phenomena and promotes regional development.