Linguistic justice and global English: theoretical and empirical approaches

Abstract The global spread of English and its impact on the pursuit linguistic justice has been a topic concern for scholars in wide range different fields humanities social sciences. Firmly convinced usefulness cross-field collaboration to advance our understanding expansion globally, this special issue we bring together experts sociolinguistics political theory with two goals mind: (1) illustrate, empirically, consequences speakers situated contexts; (2) propose potential normative responses English. In order frame overarching theme issue, show stance as guest editors connection English, opening piece develop critique Philippe Van Parijs’ notion justice. particular, take his vision that promoting lingua franca is good idea enhance everyone’s equality opportunities (e.g., labour market). We question such an assumption from both theoretical empirical point view, argue having equal access not sufficient equalize opportunities.