Equality Amongst Speakers of English: Distributive and Relational Approaches

Abstract

This article explores how egalitarians should characterise the complex and multifaceted inequalities associated with the ongoing global spread of English(es). We argue that global linguistic inequality today cannot be reduced to a single dimension, such as inequality of power or status. Instead, by drawing on distributive and relational approaches to egalitarian political theory, we disaggregate global linguistic inequality into nine dimensions: five related to the distribution of important goods (access to opportunities; linguistic resources, services and supports; language learning efforts; dignity/esteem; and expression) and four related to different aspects of how people relate to one another (morally; epistemically; socially; and aesthetically).