Has English Become a Basic Human Right?

This is a rhetorical piece as well as the conclusionary chapter where we argue with the help of evidence that for the Subaltern, linguistic rights of mother tongue mean very little if they cannot help provide for his/her needs. It is difficult to reach one’s potential without knowing English, which is the main repository of information and scientific knowledge globally. We argue that the knowledge of English enhances respect for the mother tongue and that English can be used as a powerful advocate for the linguistic rights of indigenous languages. We further argue that lack of ability in English can mean social exclusion. We critique Robert Phillipson’s Hypothesis of Linguistic Imperialism and suggest that English is the pedagogy that frees marginalized people.