Linguistic Hegemony and Cultural Marginalization: Globalization's Impact on English and Regional Languages in India

Globalization has profoundly altered linguistic landscapes across the globe, with English emerging as the predominant global language. This paper delves into the intricate dynamics of how globalization has reinforced the hegemony of English in India, marginalizing regional languages and cultures. The perceived usefulness of English in international trade and communication has led to its widespread adoption as the lingua franca, displacing indigenous languages with rich cultural histories. This linguistic shift is not merely a consequence of global economic integration but also a reflection of sociocultural transformations that have redefined language learning and usage. The paper critically examines the implications of this trend on English language teaching (ELT), highlighting the transition from traditional literary-focused pedagogy to a communication-centered approach designed to meet market demands. Furthermore, it explores the risks posed to regional languages, which face the threat of extinction as younger generations increasingly prioritize English over their mother tongues. By analyzing these developments, the goal of the study is to present a nuanced view of how language globalization has affected Indian culture and education.