The Role of English as a Global Language in Shaping Students' Worldviews

As English continues to solidify its status as a global lingua franca, its influence extends far beyond communication, shaping cultural identity, value systems, and individuals' understanding of the world. This study investigates how learning and using English as a second language shapes the worldviews of university students in non-native English-speaking contexts. Drawing on data from surveys and in-depth interviews with 512 Chinese undergraduates, this study explores the cognitive, cultural, and emotional dimensions of English language acquisition. Findings indicate that English proficiency is positively correlated with students' openness to global perspectives, awareness of international issues, and perceived agency in cross-cultural communication. However, the study also reveals tensions between global integration and cultural displacement, as some students report feelings of identity fragmentation and alienation. The research highlights the dual role of English as both a tool for empowerment and a vector of cultural homogenization. These insights call for a more critically reflective approach to English language education that balances global competence with local cultural rootedness.