English in Cyprus

Abstract

Cyprus is an island in the Mediterranean Sea where English has the status of the most popular and important foreign language (Tsiplakou, 2009; Fotiou, 2015) and the majority of its inhabitants are literate in English. While a former British colony, it is generally absent from discussions of places where English has had some special relevance due to historical, political, social and economic reasons. For example, while other small countries with a history of British rule, such as Malta and Seychelles, are part of Crystal's (2003: 62–5) list of English speakers in territories where English has had special relevance, Cyprus is absent from that list. This paper aims to fill this gap in the literature by providing an overview of the use of English in various domains, i.e. workplace, education, linguistic landscape, the media, and communication between Greek Cypriots, along with a brief historical background. The latter aims to illustrate how Cyprus was different from many British colonies and how this has affected the status of this language in this setting both now and during the colonization period.

English Language Policy in Cyprus under the British Empire Period and it is Impact on Current Sustainable Education Policies

“…The role of English as a lingua franca, particularly in facilitating cross-community communication in a post-conflict Cyprus, accentuates its indispensability. It has become crucial in fostering social cohesion and mutual understanding, thereby underscoring its function as a bridge between diverse communities within Cyprus and facilitating the island's engagement with the global community (Fotiou, 2023).…”

“…The imposition of English by the British Empire in Cyprus has left a multifaceted legacy that continues to influence the island's post-colonial identity, shaping linguistic, cultural, and educational dynamics. Studies by Fotiou (2023), Varela (2006), McEntee-Atalianis (2004) and Papapavlou (2001) provide deep insights into the evolution of English from a colonial tool to a pivotal component of global engagement. Fotiou (2023) expands on the ubiquity of English in Cyprus, highlighting its critical role not just in education, but across various public and private sectors.…”

“…Studies by Fotiou (2023), Varela (2006), McEntee-Atalianis (2004) and Papapavlou (2001) provide deep insights into the evolution of English from a colonial tool to a pivotal component of global engagement. Fotiou (2023) expands on the ubiquity of English in Cyprus, highlighting its critical role not just in education, but across various public and private sectors. This widespread adoption underscores English's transition from a symbol of colonial imposition to an essential tool for modern Cypriot society, facilitating not only global business and education but also serving as a lingua franca within the culturally diverse island.…”

“…The complex challenge of nurturing both local and international linguistic identities has been thoughtfully explored in several scholarly works, each suggesting nuanced approaches to fostering a linguistically diverse society that respects its heritage while embracing global dynamics. Fotiou (2023) expands on this by examining the pervasive role of English across various domains in Cyprus, including education, workplace, and media. Her study underscores how British colonial education policies have profoundly shaped the current status of English, promoting it as a key language for administrative and educational purposes that continue to impact its dominant position in Cypriot society today.…”