Reflection on the challenges and consequences of the international english usage
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Abstract
The official introduction of English in higher education curricula in France has generated a heated debate. The present contribution aims to reflect on the purpose and the consequence of the
promotion of English as the dominant international language in European societies. It is legitimate to see that the use of English as a lingua franca is not simply based on practical considerations and goes beyond the mere linguistic issue. The introduction of English as the European lingua franca in the EU institutions and in transnational business entities reveals the existence of a mixture of ideological arguments, power struggles and changes in social interactions. It is on such half-truths and biased perspectives that the use of English and the manner in which it is taught in many European education systems appear to serve the interests of international business: educating consumers as opposed to citizens is what lies at the heart of the hidden agenda that is currently followed.
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