Speaker
Description
Abstract
In this paper, I examine the relationship between age and English proficiency in the Kurdistan Region. I challenge the common belief that younger generations are naturally better at English than older ones. Drawing on a World Englishes and language ecology perspective, I argue that English proficiency in Kurdistan is shaped mainly by access to education, professional use, technological exposure, and language ideologies, rather than by age itself.
My analysis is based on qualitative data from Kurdish speakers of different age groups. I focus on how English is used in academic, professional, and everyday contexts. The findings show that age only becomes relevant when it reflects differences in opportunity and exposure. While some younger speakers show limited functional proficiency, older speakers demonstrate strong and confident use of English in specific domains.
I also suggest that “generation” in Kurdistan should be understood as an educational, technological, and political–historical category rather than a purely biological one. By questioning the idea of English as a “young person’s language,” this paper highlights the importance of language ecology in understanding English use in non-Inner-Circle contexts.