Language and Empire: A Post-Colonial Examination of Othering and Identity in ‎Babel: An Arcane History

English has solidified its role as the global lingua franca, largely due to British colonial expansion. This research investigates how English was used as a tool for Empire-building and the subjugation of colonized peoples and their languages. The study addresses the following research questions: How does linguistic Anglo-hegemony contribute to the construction of otherness and identity formation? In what ways are these processes depicted in R.F. Kuang's novel Babel: An Arcane History? Employing a post-colonial theoretical framework, this study utilizes textual analysis to examine the novel's portrayal of characters' conflicting loyalties to their native cultures and the British Empire. Key methods include identifying themes of linguistic dominance, othering, and identity conflict through close reading and annotation. The analysis is further contextualized with historical and cultural perspectives to understand the broader implications of these themes. The findings reveal that linguistic hegemony is a central mechanism of colonial power, deeply affecting the characters' sense of identity and belonging. The study uncovers how the imposition of English creates internalized conflicts and reinforces social hierarchies.