English in Multicultural Societies in South Asia 3600-IN-EMSA-OW
The course provides a comparative exploration of multiculturalism and language politics in South
Asia, with particular focus on the evolving roles of English across various national, cultural, and
educational contexts. It begins with core definitions and debates in multiculturalism, then establishes a
regional foundation by examining South Asia’s historical formation, linguistic diversity, and the major
forces – colonialism, nationalism, globalisation, and development – that shape language policy and
everyday language use. Through country-based units, students analyse how English functions
differently in each context: as a colonial legacy and/or a resource for global access, as a marker of
prestige and opportunity, and as a mechanism that can perpetuate social divides. Key themes include
the “colonial hangover vs. linguistic leg-up” debate (particularly in India), the English/Urdu-medium
divide and its class implications in Pakistan, and the intersections of language, identity, and
educational stratification in Bangladesh. The module also examines Sri Lanka’s complex English-
teaching realities (“dreams deferred”), Nepal’s shifting linguistic landscape, Bhutan’s distinctive use
of English in relation to cultural preservation, and the Maldives’ language change amid tourism and
trade. It concludes with Afghanistan, tracing the changing status and role of English under shifting
political and social conditions. By the end of the module, students will be able to compare South
Asian Englishes and language ecologies, explain how English is linked to identity and inequality, and
critically evaluate policy choices and educational models through a multicultural and sociolinguistic
lens.
Type of course
Mode
Prerequisites (description)
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
Knowledge
The graduate knows and understands:
major theoretical perspectives on multiculturalism and the global spread of English, with
particular reference to South Asian contexts;
the sociolinguistic characteristics and functions of English in multilingual societies of South
Asia;
the relationships between English, identity, culture, education, and social inequality;
the historical and contemporary roles of English in education, governance, and public life
across South Asian countries.
Skills
The graduate is able to:
analyse sociolinguistic phenomena related to the use of English in South Asia by applying
appropriate theoretical and analytical concepts;
critically review and synthesise scholarly literature on South Asian Englishes, English as a
Lingua Franca (ELF), and language-in-education contexts;
produce presentation in English on sociolinguistic and educational topics related to the
course;
construct well-reasoned arguments supported by relevant academic sources;
deliver structured and academically appropriate oral presentations on selected course topics;
use English effectively in speech and writing at B2/B2+ level in accordance with the CEFR.
Social competences
The graduate is ready to:
critically evaluate dominant ideologies and discourses surrounding English in postcolonial
and multicultural societies;
demonstrate sensitivity to linguistic and cultural diversity in South Asian and comparable
contexts;
recognise the ethical, social, and educational implications of the expansion of English in
multilingual and multicultural societies.
Assessment criteria
Attendance: 10%
Participation: 30%
Final assignment (Power point presentation): 60%
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: