English Language as Social Capital: A Study of Online English Private Tutoring in Taiwan

Abstract

The worldwide expansion of globalization contributes to the dominant status of the English language and furthers the expansion of linguistic imperialism. Underpinned by the concept of globalization, this study situates in the context of online English private tutoring (EPT) and aims to explore the image of the English language and examine what it reflects in society and education. Data were collected from learners’ testimonials presented on the website of one famous online EPT company based in Taiwan. Content Analysis was adopted to analyse learners’ stated learning goals in their testimonials. The findings indicate the English language is understood as a form of social capital, allowing access to better career development, higher education and the realization of dreams. Implications of the English language as social capital in society, education and the global were discussed.