The Queen's English: Development Discourse, UK Development Aid & the Promotion of the English Language

British policymakers have long declared that a positive link exists between the teaching of English language and international development, despite the fact there is little evidence that such a link exists. This RITES (Research: International Teachers, Education and Sustainable Development) seminar, organised by Alison Buckler, will examine shifting understandings amongst UK government officials of the role of language and cultural knowledge in development programmes and practices using archival evidence from the 1960s to the 1990s.

Dr Angela Crack (University of Portsmouth) will present her paper demonstrating that British development policy regarding ELT was understood as synonymous with British political and economic interests, and particularly how it was believed to be essential for maintaining influence in Commonwealth territories. She will also argue that development policy was motivated by normative considerations. English was thought to have the potential to unify culturally diverse territories, and to be socially and economically beneficial for recipients.

By tracing the history of British-funded ELT programmes, the seminar will expose the roots of the inflated claims made in favour of English.

Please register for your free place by emailing Stephanie Edwards.