Unit 13: Global Ethics in Language Education

3. Ethics of Teaching English in Postcolonial Contexts

In many regions, English was introduced through colonial conquest. Teaching it today requires reflection on:
·       Whether English perpetuates former hierarchies.
·       How to validate local languages and knowledges alongside English.
·       How to position English not as superior, but as one tool among many.
📚 Discussion: Should English be required in national curricula where indigenous or heritage languages are endangered?
💡 Key point: Ethical language educators promote multilingualism, not linguistic replacement.