The Hegemony of the Center: A Meta-Aggregation of English Linguistic Neo-Imperialism in Philippine Education
Keywords:
English linguistic neo-imperialism, linguistic identity, language ideology, English language teaching, pluricentric approachAbstract
This study synthesizes qualitative evidence on the persistence of English linguistic neo-imperialism in the educational landscape of the Philippines. Employing a qualitative meta-aggregation approach, the research integrates findings from multiple peer-reviewed qualitative studies to examine how standard English ideology continues to shape language practices, educational policies, and identity formation. The analysis reveals that despite the institutionalization of Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education (MTB-MLE) and the constitutional recognition of Filipino, the socioeconomic prestige associated with Standard British and American English remains dominant. This preference reinforces linguistic hierarchies that marginalize local languages and Philippine English, perpetuating a neo-imperialist cycle rooted in historical, economic, and institutional forces. Furthermore, the findings highlight the tension experienced by Filipino learners and educators as they negotiate global linguistic demands alongside local linguistic identities. The study underscores the need to decolonize English language teaching (ELT) through the adoption of pluricentric pedagogical approaches, the promotion of linguistic justice, and the recognition of Philippine English as a legitimate variety. These reforms aim to transform English from a mechanism of linguistic dominance into a tool for empowerment, inclusivity, and culturally responsive education.
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Copyright (c) 2026 ARE-PEE M. CASTALONE, JULIE PEARL A. HATAAS, CARLOTA R. QUINTO, Ph.D, HAIDEE JOANNE R. MANALO, EVELYN E. JUNTILO, LPT, MAED SPED (Author)
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