The Influence of English as a Lingua Franca on Cultural Identity in Multilingual Communities of Delhi, India

Abstract

In the multicultural cities of India, especially in Delhi, English has become a lingua franca that is transforming the cultural identities in the context of the rapidly expanding globalization. This paper will focus on the effects of English in cultural understanding and social relations among the multilingual communities in Delhi. Using qualitative approaches, such as literature review and narrative descriptions, the study demonstrates the importance of English in providing access to wider communication and promoting social mobility, in particular educational and professional arenas. Simultaneously, it points out the major issues that are associated with this linguistic change: the progressive loss of native languages, the risk of cultural assimilation, and the strengthening of social barriers between English-speaking and non-English speaking populations. The results reflect the bargain that people engage in between maintaining native linguistic identity and the practical advantages of English, showing a complex balance of possibilities and cultural conflicts in the multilingual city of Delhi.