BILINGUALISM AND THE CULTURAL IMPERIALISM OF LANGUAGE

Аннотация

Bilingualism, the proficiency in two or more languages, is a widespread occurrence shaped by historical, social, and cultural influences. However, when viewed through the perspective of cultural imperialism, it becomes a nuanced issue. The predominance of one language over others can contribute to the decline of minority languages, establishing a cultural hierarchy where one language and its culture are prioritized. This paper examines the relationship between bilingualism and cultural imperialism, asserting that while bilingualism can enhance communication and connectivity, it may also reinforce linguistic dominance and cultural disparities. Keywords: Bilingualism, Cultural imperialism, Marginalization, Language extinction, Cultural identity, Media, Cultural transmission, Social exclusion