Challenging Neoliberalism: The Status of English as a Global Language as Seen by Students in Serbia

While there is a growing body of research on neoliberal trends in education as well as efforts to raise students’ critical awareness on the issue, few studies on the topic have been conducted in the Western Balkans. Drawing on a critical account of students majoring in IT, this paper examines their ability to critically analyze the status of English as a global language, especially in relation to social, cultural, and economic factors. The focus group methodology was used in this research because it challenges study subjects to explore and even defend their opinions. Content analysis was conducted on the students’ statements in order to identify trends and patterns that appeared within the focus group’s discussion. The results suggest that views about the English language were shaped by the broader socioeconomic context of neoliberalism. Furthermore, it motivates students to learn English in order to improve their employability in the global labor market. This paper hopes to open avenues for new critical perspectives and even challenge dominant neoliberal notions of the English language today.