CURRENT METHODOLOGICAL, LINGUISTIC ISSUES AND APPROACHES IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE TEACHING THE IMPACT OF GLOBALIZATION ON ENGLISH LEXICAL ENRICHMENT AND SEMANTIC SHIFT

Abstract

Globalization, the process of increasing interconnectedness among nations through trade, technology, migration, and cultural exchange, has profoundly shaped the English language. This article explores how globalization contributes to lexical enrichment — the expansion of vocabulary through loanwords, neologisms, and hybrids — and semantic shift — the alteration of word meanings to adapt to new contexts. Drawing from historical linguistics and contemporary examples, it argues that while these changes enhance English's flexibility as a global lingua franca, they also raise concerns about cultural homogenization and linguistic identity. Key findings include the integration of terms from diverse languages like Japanese and Korean, and shifts in meanings influenced by digital and economic forces. The discussion highlights implications for language education and policy, emphasizing the need for balanced approaches to preserve diversity. This analysis is based on scholarly sources from linguistics journals and books, providing a comprehensive view of English's evolution in a globalized world.