Historical Background and Sociology of English as Lingua Franca in Azerbaijan

Abstract

The article researches the history and sociological substantiation of ELF (English as Lingua Franca) in Azerbaijan. The author indicates the unique historical role of mercantile activities in extending the borders of EFL. It is also stated that the English language would be on a narrow scale long before ELF was used in Azerbaijan. The paper argues that scientific and linguistic literature supports the idea that English as a Foreign Language (EFL) served as an extension for ELF usage. At the same time, some linguists make a controversial statement that the reason English is spreading around the world at the moment is because of its utility as a lingua franca.It also analyses the distinct stages of ELF use in Azerbaijan and illustrates the historical facts necessitating the vast in-country spread and usage of ELF. Following the in-depth analyses of ELF, the paper makes some new remarks: 1) There are at least two varieties of English and simplified (we may call it mere or simple English); 2) Global English existed long before English existed; 3) Until people speak English to their kids, it is usually called ELF; 4) ELF is more extensive; 5) Simple English is more intensive by its nature, and so on.The author argues that the content and concept of ELF's usage is more significant than the concept of simple or mere English usage because the former assumes much-embracing features rather than the "simple English choice". That means, unlike English, ELF has the following specific qualities: 1) It is not spontaneous but strictly purposeful and pragmatic (but are these not for the sake of any foreign language use); 2) It emerges and develops in close connection with "communication needs"; 3) It includes further behaviour of communicators, whether to use or abandon it; 4) It has a distinct cause-and-effect chain in the socio-political and economic situation in the areas of its usage; 5) It does not come from family nurture and instructions but is taken for the needs of its urgency; 6) Side forces (external, socio-political) can strengthen its usage and extension. However, its "impetus" is always needs-based; 7) ELF is more practical rather than English instructional; 8) English is a transitory stage in its transference into ELF when it assumes a global character; 9) ELF serves as a source of enrichment of English vocabulary, at least by its international varieties, dialects, and terminological usages; 10) English and EFL are ontologically interrelated, though different in formalities and designation.Another essential feature of the article is ELF's study on the sociological level in Azerbaijan by conducting the respondents of the different musts. While analysing the experiment results, it became clear that 40 % of people aged 25-35 in Azerbaijan prefer EFL in education and science, which is less than twice for the community aged 35-45. On the contrary, 43 % of 35-45-year-old community members preferred ELF in business and management. It proves that apart from the language peculiarities, its extracurricular features also play a leading role in determining the choice of ELF. The article's findings are new to the specialities in the relevant fields.