Whose English? Whose Diversity? Towards a More Holistic Understanding of Global English

Abstract

In this paper, I call for an increased dialogue between different branches of Applied Linguistics. After discussing conceptualizations of the English language in the context of Applied Linguistics research and the ways in which English is perceived to form part of linguistic diversity, I argue that further dialogue is needed in order to gain a more holistic understanding of English and its multiple facets. The use of English is diverse and can also form part of the social justice agenda. At the same time, as our enquiry into the global spread of English moves beyond essentialized abstractions and metaphors, it is also necessary to critically question some new orthodoxies, e.g. the direct connection between translanguaging and social justice. Overall, I agree with Hultgren that widening our analytical lens is important. In particular, the suggested focus on the socio-material aspects is needed for drawing our attention to less known contexts of language use and to under-represented study participants. Before we tone down language in our scholarly inquiry, we still need to hear more voices.