ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNING IN A MULTILINGUAL WORLD

Abstract

This article explores the transformation of English into the world’s primary lingua franca, examining the historical, economic, and technological factors underpinning its dominance. It analyzes the role of the British Empire and the postWWII rise of the United States, while critically engaging with the concept of linguistic imperialism and the paradigm of World Englishes. A central component of the study is an online survey conducted among 180 young learners in Kazakhstan, which analyzes proficiency levels, learning motivations, and preferred study methods. The findings reveal that while academic advancement (77.8%) and career prospects (61.1%) are the primary drivers for language acquisition, most participants are at the elementary or intermediate stages of proficiency. The article concludes that in the 21st century, English functions not merely as a communication tool but as a critical instrument for international cooperation and professional growth, necessitating a conscious effort to foster multilingualism.