The Influence of English as a Global Lingua Franca on Local Languages

Abstract. The expansion of English as a global lingua franca has significantly shaped linguistic landscapes worldwide. This article explores the impact of English on local languages across cultural, structural, and identity dimensions. It examines mechanisms such as lexical borrowing, code-switching, and domain shift, with case studies from various multilingual contexts. While English facilitates global communication and access to information, its dominance can also lead to language attrition, identity challenges, and cultural homogenization. The study calls for balanced language policies and revitalization efforts to protect linguistic diversity in an increasingly globalized world.