5 Best Robert Phillipson Quotes

“Linguistic imperialism is defined as the dominance of English by establishment and continuous reconstitution of structural and cultural inequalities between English and other languages.”

This is a core definitional statement early in the book, encapsulating Phillipson's central thesis.

“The spread of English can be understood as a form of linguistic imperialism, involving the imposition of English on other speech communities.”

Phillipson frequently reiterates this point, linking the historical spread of English to power dynamics rather than benign diffusion.

“English is not merely a language but a carrier of specific cultural and ideological values.”

This quote highlights Phillipson's argument that language is never neutral and always carries cultural baggage, especially when dominant.

“The professionalization of English Language Teaching has often served to legitimize and perpetuate the dominance of English.”

This statement appears in the context of his critique of the ELT industry and its role in the global spread of English.

“The hegemony of English is maintained not only through structural power but also through the internalization of Anglocentric ideologies.”

Phillipson often discusses how both external structures and internal beliefs contribute to linguistic dominance.