Colonialism??

Question

How has colonialism affected global patterns of language? Use specific examples to support your argument.... : )

Answer 1

I would use Africa. Have u ever heard of the Partitioning of Africa in the Late 1700s and the 1800s-1900s where there wa a 'Scramble for Africa' by the European powers as they wanted to amass wealth for themselves back then by trying to 'conquer as much land for their respective Powers?

It led to the division of africa into the may countries it is today. Each being 'owned' by different countries. Bcoz of that, in many Central African countries pple speak Belgian, French( DRC), Spanish, In Some parts, Southern they speak English(Zambia, Zimbabwe),  and Dutch which is now modified into the current Afrikaans (South Africa) Language At the Eastern part of Africa some speak Portuguese. These pple however still have their native Languages.

Just look at all other nations where pple have their native languages. Most, it is as a result of colonialism. I'll stick to AFRICA, the place I know. I wouldnt want to lie & be dissed on internet!!! Ha-aaah!!!

Answer 2

many colonial states eraticate indigenous languages as part of a let's 'westernize' approach.. or 'show them the true way' principles

e.g. africa, australia, asia, south america the list goes on

Answer 3

I assume from the topic that you are a college student, though if you are a high school student, you might have some difficulties with my suggestion... however, the most recent issue of the journal Annual Review of Applied Linguistics is about lingua francas (global languages, a common language used by people who normally speak different languages).  That would be a good place to start.  My personal favorite example is the Aymara/Quechua/Spanish example from Peru and Bolivia where the Aymara was the local native language but Incan conquest implemented Quechua as the national language and then when the Spanish came, at first they used Quechua becuase it was already the local lingua franca but eventually they implemented Spanish language programs so that now there are native Aymara communities which use Ayamara as their everyday language, Quechua as the language of their justice system, and Spanish as the language of commerce.