Migrant workers, language learning, and spaces of globalization: The case of Filipino maritime professionals

College

Br. Andrew Gonzalez FSC College of Education

Department/Unit

Educational Leadership and Management

Document Type

Book Chapter

Source Title

Reconceptualizing English Education in a Multilingual Society: English in the Philippines

First Page

177

Last Page

190

Publication Date

2018

Place of Publication

Singapore

Publisher

Springer

Abstract

With the rise of a global workplace, language learning takes center stage as it is a primary component in shaping the identity of different workers. Coupled with the different stratifications produced by globalization, language learning departs from a mere positivistic process but becomes a central force in imbuing individuals the needed cultural capital to fit in the global market. This chapter argues that migrant workers are a unique group of language learners resulting from the ripples created by globalization. It initially surveys the notion of language learning within the backdrop of globalization and proceeds with exemplifying inherent char- acteristics of migrant workers in the Philippines which show the complex relations between language learning and globalization. Drawing insights from a case study conducted among maritime professionals in the Philippines, this paper furthers that examining migrant workers in an era of globalization is entangled within discourses from different actors of the state and shows the stratified distribution of power and resources. Further, we attempt to sketch alternative engagements to language policy in education in the Philippines that considers the tensions brought about by globalization.

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Disciplines

Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education | English Language and Literature

Series Title

English language education; v. 13

Keywords

English language—Study and teaching—Filipino speakers; English language—Study and teaching—Philippine speakers

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