Global English and Arabic: Which is the Protagonist in a Globalized Setting?

Abstract:

Globalization, although not a new phenomenon, is certainly spreading at a faster rate than it ever did. Part of this speed at which it transpires is the role of global English as the lingua franca driving the phenomenon. In the Arab world both English and globalization are often frowned upon. Both are seen as importing western cultural values and “Americanization” in addition to interfering with the Arabic language. As many Arabs believe their Arab identity to be wrapped up in Arabic, this has cast further dispersions upon global English and its impacts. The following looks at the interplay between globalization and language, in the context of the United Arab Emirates.