The Lingua Franca of Hegemony: English, Globalization, and the Perpetuation of Civilizational Power
Hadjer Ben Salem
pp. 70 - 83
 
Title: The Lingua Franca of Hegemony: English, Globalization, and the Perpetuation of Civilizational Power
Authors: Hadjer Ben Salem

Abstract: In the framework of present globalisation paradigm, this paper criticises the part English plays as a global hegemonic lingua franca. This paper argues that the global spread and veneration of English insidiously continue Western-centric civilisation power in departure from just neutral, functional tool explanations locating English. The study looks at how English hegemony affects world norms of communication, influences knowledge creation accessibility and quality, and shapes the appreciation and understanding of cultural capital in many different global settings. Through an examination of these processes, the article offers a sophisticated and critical perspective for grasping the socio-cultural effects of English as a global language and its role in preserving cultural and civilisational hierarchies in a more globalising society. The study acknowledges the need of acknowledging such power dynamics in order to promote cultural diversity, equitable knowledge sharing, and worldwide social equality.

Keywords: Linguistic Imperialism; Lingua Franca; Cultural Capital; Knowledge Production; Western-Centricity.

Received: 02-05-2025     Accepted: 29-06-2025     Published: 30-06-2025

Citation: Salem, H.B. (2025). The Lingua Franca of Hegemony: English, Globalization, and the Perpetuation of Civilizational Power. Cultural and Historical Heritage: Preservation, Presentation, Digitalization (KIN Journal), 11(1), ISSN 2367-8038, Institute of Mathematics and Informatics – Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 70–83. DOI: https://doi.org/10.55630/KINJ.2025.110104