How can we help?

1. Slides, attached below.
2. Students can create their own discussion around the central question, or you can clone and use this ready-made example.
3. Watch the debate video TEDx - Is English a dominating language? (6 mins) before sharing with students.

Guiding Question: "Should English be the dominant language (lingua franca) for global communication and knowledge systems?"

Recap TOK concepts from previous lessons: power, culture, and perspective.

Ask students to consider:

• What does it mean for one language to dominate a global system?
• Can language ever be truly neutral, or does it always reflect power and identity?
• What happens when most knowledge is accessible only through a single language?

Listening Task

Students watch the video TEDx - Is English a dominating language? and take notes on the speaker(s)’ key arguments and counterarguments. In the interest of time, videos can be assigned as homework prior to the class discussion.

During note-taking, students should analyze the strength of each argument presented, relating this to their previous research.

If necessary, students should seek additional sources to support their analysis.

Key Points to Listen For:

• What examples does Yuan give of English-language dominance?
• What are the emotional, social, and political consequences she describes?
• Does she argue for or against English as a global language — or something more nuanced?
• How does her personal identity as a non-native English speaker shape her perspective?

Note-Taking Framework:

• Main arguments for a global language: Facilitates global communication, education, and access to shared knowledge systems (e.g., coding, academia).
• Main arguments against: Marginalizes other languages, creates access barriers, and reinforces global inequality.
• Language and identity argument: Language shapes cultural identity and emotional expression; dominance of English risks loss of nuance and belonging.
• Knowledge access and infrastructure argument: Digital systems are built in English, limiting participation for non-speakers; new tools in other languages may reverse this.
• Linguistic echo chambers argument: Relying on one language can isolate users from alternative perspectives and global diversity.

Kialo Discussion

In small groups, students create a new Kialo discussion around the guiding question "Should English be the dominant language (lingua franca) for global communication and knowledge systems?"

Alternatively, if students require more structure, clone and share this ready-made discussion, based on the starter claims below, and use the suggested pros and cons as prompts for students.

Students should use their analysis to ensure they select the strongest arguments from the listening task.

They should add these to the Kialo discussion as arguments, counterarguments, examples, and evaluations.

Encourage students to refer to the concepts of power, culture, and perspective in their arguments.

Example Claims:

TITLE: Should English be the dominant language for global communication and knowledge systems?

THESIS: English should be the dominant language for global communication and knowledge systems.

• Starter claim: Using English as a global language improves international collaboration in education, science, and technology.
• PRO: English allows researchers, coders, and professionals to collaborate more easily, reducing translation costs and delays.
  • Example: For example, most scientific journals and academic conferences use English as the standard.
• CON: Relying on English as a global language can reduce the motivation to learn other languages, leading to linguistic homogenization.
  • Example: For example, students and professionals may prioritize English over their native or regional languages, causing these languages to decline in use and status.

• Starter claim: English acts as a practical bridge language in multilingual global spaces.
• PRO: English simplifies communication in international travel, diplomacy, and humanitarian work.
  • Example: For example, English is the working language of the UN and many NGOs.
• CON: Using only English risks erasing linguistic and cultural nuance, flattening local expressions and values in translation.
  • Example: For example, culturally rooted concepts often lose meaning when explained in English.

• Starter claim: Digital infrastructure runs more efficiently with a single dominant language.
• PRO: Standardizing code, online platforms, and technical documentation in English streamlines innovation.
  • Example: For example, most programming languages and AI systems are built in English.
• CON: This centralization makes non-English users dependent on foreign systems, reducing digital autonomy.
  • Example: For example, Chinese tech developers must work in English-based frameworks to participate globally.

• Starter claim: English dominance marginalizes other languages and cultural knowledge systems.
• PRO: Many Indigenous or regional languages lack digital representation, leading to knowledge loss.
  • Example: For example, oral traditions and local epistemologies are rarely digitized in global platforms.
• CON: English can still coexist with native languages if multilingual policies are actively promoted.
  • Example: For example, bilingual education systems and translation tools can help bridge the gap.

• Starter claim: Requiring English for access to knowledge systems reinforces global inequality.
• PRO: Language barriers block millions from contributing to academia, coding, and policymaking.
  • Example: For example, non-native English speakers are underrepresented in global research.
• CON: Translation technologies are rapidly improving and may soon reduce these gaps.
  • Example: For example, tools like Google Translate and DeepL offer near-real-time access to information.

• Starter claim: Language-specific internet ecosystems reduce exposure to diverse perspectives.
• PRO: When users stay within their own language online, they form echo chambers and miss cross-cultural understanding.
  • Example: For example, Chinese, English, and Russian web spaces often operate in parallel with little overlap.
• CON: Localized internet ecosystems can protect cultural sovereignty and resist foreign dominance.
  • Example: For example, countries developing their own digital tools in local languages reclaim control.

Discuss the following reflection questions in open discussion or exit ticket format:

• How did Ruiyuan Yuan’s talk challenge or confirm your assumptions about the role of English in the world?
• Do you think a global language unites people or creates new forms of exclusion? Why?
• Can we truly preserve cultural identity and local knowledge if one language dominates global systems?
• Have you ever felt empowered or disadvantaged because of the language(s) you speak? How did that affect your access to knowledge or participation?
• What responsibilities do global platforms, institutions, or individuals have in promoting linguistic equity?