Grassroots English and Linguistic Optimism in Cambodia

ABSTRACT Attitudes towards English varieties that are grassroots in nature are divided, with research reflecting both positive and negative views of the value such varieties have in the lives of users. In spite of this, there has been a prevailing orthodoxy in scholarship to highlight the negative aspects of English, and research offering positive views is relatively uncommon. This article takes on the lens of linguistic optimism , reporting on a study in Cambodia which explores the experiences of grassroots English users from low socio‐economic backgrounds. The experiential narratives of these English users reveal the role that the language has played in relation to issues of self‐esteem and social mobility. Crucially, while the risks associated with English are acknowledged in the narratives, its benefits are also recognised and highlighted—providing an optimistic view which diverges from, yet complements orthodox discussions of the effects of English.