Globalization and the Role of English in the Countries of South Asia and the Middle East (The Cases of Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan)

The article analyzes the role of English in the language policy of the Asian countries in the system of world globalization processes, seen from the viewpoint accepted in modern sociolinguistic literature on the connection between the language aspect of globalization and the spread of English as the global language, the universal second language. The authors note the historical component of the popularity of English in the modern world in general and in the countries under consideration, in particular. It includes the influence of the British Empire and the strengthening of the USA’s position in the international arena. Estimated numbers of people speaking English both as the first and the second language in everyday life are also provided. The authors analyze large multiethnic states of South Asia and the Middle East such as Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan. The situation with the English language in these countries is presented against the background of the state and national languages’ functioning. The authors made an attempt to show both general aspects of the use of English, including a view through the prism of the legislative acts imposed in these countries, particularly their constitutions, and the peculiarities of their functioning in each of these countries, including the influence of the language policy pursued by their leadership. The authors have also noted the growing interest of Iranian and Pakistani authorities in Russian and Chinese accordingly, as these languages may seriously compete with English in the future and break its monopoly.