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Globalisation: An Economic and Cultural Perspective

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English as a Global Language in China

Part of the book series: English Language Education ((ELED,volume 2))

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Abstract

This chapter first presents the backdrop of the study through a review of globalisation theories. A wide array of definitions and different dimensions of globalisation is reviewed and discussed. In particular, the chapter puts emphasis on discussing Wallerstein’s world-systems theory (e.g. Wallerstein 2004a, b) and the cultural impact of globalisation, as it is the book’s contention that globalisation needs to be framed not only in terms of cultural forces and flows (as we often do in applied linguistics) but also in terms of history and economics. The chapter then develops a framework for studying language spread and linguistic ideology within globalisation by combining the economic and cultural approaches discussed. It is argued that the two approaches complement each other and provide both macro and micro perspectives for investigation.

Every era has concepts that capture the public imagination, and globalization has recently emerged as one for our time.

– Hall and Sidney (1998: B4)

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Notes

  1. 1.

    Capital accumulation: in world-systems analysis, this refers to the systematic transfer of surplus from semiproletarian sectors in the periphery to the high-technology, industrialised core. This transfer is usually reinforced by the strong states and is called by Wallerstein a process of unequal exchange.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Beijing Language and Culture University, Beijing, China

    Lin Pan

  2. Institute of Education, University College London, London, UK

    Lin Pan

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  1. Lin Pan
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Pan, L. (2015). Globalisation: An Economic and Cultural Perspective. In: English as a Global Language in China. English Language Education, vol 2. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-10392-1_2

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