Summary
English as a Global Language and Communication Theories
Highlights
Due to globalization and rapid advancements in technology, English has emerged as a dominant global language. It fulfills key criteria: it is spoken internationally as both a first and second language, enjoys wide geographical distribution, and serves as the primary medium for high-level publications and international conferences.
The text outlines several academic theories regarding communication: Communication Acculturation Theory explores how individuals adapt to new cultures; Meaning-Making Theory addresses linguistic remedies for communication breakdowns; Face Negotiation Theory focuses on conflict management; and Stranger Theory describes the hyper-consciousness felt when entering alien cultures.
Specific theories analyze the intersection of communication and societal power dynamics. Cultural Critical Studies and Marxist Theory examine how media and language are used to maintain elite hegemony and suppress alternative voices. Additionally, Feminist Genre Theory highlights the struggle of women to navigate communication within masculine-dominated frameworks.