Linguistic Identity and Global Fluidity: Filipino Gen Z Attitudes Toward World Englishes
Keywords:
World Englishes, Generation Z, SCIP Model, Philippine English, Linguistic Identity, Relocation of EnglishAbstract
This qualitative study explores the attitudes of Filipino Generation Z toward global varieties of English, framed within the context of the Philippines’ unique linguistic landscape. As a nation in the “Outer Circle,” the Philippines has long balanced the influence of American English with the development of Philippine English (PhE). Drawing on Saraceni’s (2010) Space, Culture, Ideology, and Psychology (SCIP) model, the research investigates how digital globalization and social media exposure shape the linguistic preferences and identity of young Filipino learners. Through semi-structured interviews with university students in urban hubs, the study examines the relocation of English from a Western-centric standard to a personalized tool for local and digital expression. Preliminary findings suggest a dualistic perspective: while participants demonstrate a growing acceptance of World Englishes and pride in local identity, they continue to navigate internalized ideological hierarchies that favor "native-like" proficiency for professional advancement. The study concludes that the "relocation" of English in the Philippines is a complex psychological process where the language is simultaneously a symbol of global mobility and a medium for indigenous cultural assertion. These insights call for a more inclusive pedagogical approach that validates regional variations within the Philippine educational system.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Joseph L. Torres, Clare Jane M. Manejero, Annie Christy D. Jones, Mark O. Mondano, Kristela T. Reyes (Author)
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