English as a Lingua Frankensteinia: An Investigation into the Perceptions of Educated Pakistani Populace

This study explores how educated Pakistani professionals perceive the dominance of English and its effects on local languages and social structures. Though often viewed as a neutral lingua franca, English is framed here as a tool of linguistic imperialism, shaping education, economy, and identity. Guided by Robert Phillipson’s theory of Linguistic Imperialism and the metaphor of Lingua Frankensteinia, the study analyzes semi-structured interviews with four professionals. Findings reveal that English is seen as a path to upward mobility and global access but also as a source of cultural displacement and inequality. Local languages are increasingly marginalized, and English proficiency is tied to elitism and intelligence. The research calls for inclusive language policies that value indigenous languages while acknowledging English’s global role.