LANGUAGE IDEOLOGY AND ATTITUDES TOWARD “STANDARD ENGLISH” IN MULTILINGUAL EUROPE
Keywords:
English as a Lingua Franca (ELF), standard language ideology, multilingual education, language attitudes, linguistic identity, academic positioning, communicative competence, English proficiency, sociolinguistic variation, ideological negotiation.Abstract
This research paper focuses at linguistic ideologies and attitudes toward "standard English" in multilingual European academic settings. As English becomes a lingua franca, conventional native-speaker norms continue to shape notions of correctness, prestige, and validity. The study investigates how these ideas influence students' identities, confidence, and classroom practices. The article adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining surveys and semi-structured interviews with university students and educators. The findings suggest a conflict between valuing clear, flexible communication and adhering to traditional standards. While participants recognize English as a shared international resource, many continue to associate authority with native-like usage. The research aims for a more pluralistic interpretation of English that reflects multilingual realities and encourages equal participation. The study adds to broader issues about ownership, identity, and the changing role of English in Europe by focusing on how language ideologies function in university settings.
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