The Impact of Linguistic Globalization on Taiwan: a Look of an Outsider
The Impact of Linguistic Globalization on Taiwan: a Look of an Outsider

Summary/Abstract: As globalization is sweeping the world at a rapid pace, it sets new tasks and brings new challenges to many countries where English is used as a foreign language. The aim of this brief commentary is to describe the current linguistic situation in Taiwan with regard to the foreign language policies and use of English in the major realms of political and social life of the island. The analysis is based on the empirical observations of the author, a foreign national, who has spent twelve years in Taiwan teaching English in a university. Comparing the current situation with what it was more than a decade ago with regard to applying English, the paper focuses on some noticeable changes that have taken place in both the official and the informal discourses of everyday life.

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