anglization

Anglization is the process by which a language, culture, or society adopts features of the English language or English-speaking norms. It is typically driven by economic, political, or cultural pressures and can manifest in vocabulary borrowing, changes in grammatical structures, phonological shifts, or the use of English in official and daily contexts. The term is used both by linguists to describe language change and by sociologists to discuss cultural influence.

In many countries, anglization is part of a broader trend of globalization. Governments may adopt English as a compulsory subject in schools, use it in administrative documents, or encourage its use in media and technology. This can lead to a bilingual environment where English functions as a lingua franca, often increasing opportunities for international trade and education but also raising concerns about the marginalization of local languages.

The effect of anglization varies across regions. In the Commonwealth, some former colonies have integrated English as an official language, while in Europe extensive English loanwords now appear in everyday speech. Critics argue that excessive anglization can erode local linguistic heritage, whereas proponents claim it enhances global communication and economic competitiveness.

Measures to balance anglization and linguistic diversity include dual language education, media regulation, and cultural policies that promote the use of native languages alongside English. The ongoing debate reflects broader questions about cultural identity, power dynamics, and the role of language in modern societies.