English as a killer language: South Africa as a Case Study

Abstract

This study aims at presenting a general overview of the linguistic situation in South Africa in association with the rise of English as a global language. A qualitative approach is adopted to explore the motives behind English learning in South Africa and then to clarify South Africa's present- day craze for English and its impact on the indigenous languages. The researcher determines two paradoxes of thought in order to discuss the status of English as a lingua franca. Furthermore, different aspects of English as a global language and its impact on cultural, minority languages and linguistics diversity all over the world are highlighted in this study. Many prominent scholars in South Africa warn against the uncontrolled expansion of English in the official contexts. The researcher highlights some steps for reducing the negative and augmenting the positive effects of the language spread particularly in South Africa.