Premium
English in Colombia: a sociolinguistic profile
Author(s) -
Velez–Rendon Gloria
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
world englishes
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.6
H-Index - 49
eISSN - 1467-971X
pISSN - 0883-2919
DOI - 10.1111/1467-971x.00287
Subject(s) - pace , context (archaeology) , sociology , linguistics , interpersonal communication , language assessment , curriculum , language transfer , modern language , language education , pedagogy , comprehension approach , history , social science , geography , philosophy , archaeology , geodesy
This paper intends to make a contribution to the study of the spread of the English language in Colombia. To characterize this social and cultural context, I draw a sociolinguistic profile following the framework provided by Berns (1990, 1992). Although English has no official status in Colombia and its functional range is still restricted, it has expanded at a pace not experienced before. There is a growing consensus that English has a role to play in Colombia's social and economical advancement in the international arena. This is evidenced in the educational policies and programs contributing to securing a prominent position for English in the national curriculum as well as in the unprecedented boom of the English language teaching industry. The paper begins by providing an overview of Colombia and its linguistic makeup, briefly tracing the presence of the English language from the eighteenth century to date. Then it goes on to characterize the users and uses of English documenting how the interpersonal, instrumental, and creative/innovative functions are manifested in this particular setting. Next, the paper describes the attitudinal range towards the English language, its speakers, and its study as well as the process of borrowing, adaptation, and innovation. It concludes by highlighting the need for additional research to further define this particular socio–cultural milieu of learning and use of English. It is argued that further research has a central role in informing the determination of relevant and appropriate models for language teaching in Colombia.