How to Teach TESOL Ethically in an English-Dominant World
Feb 20, 2024
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Carla Chamberlin and Mak Khan discuss teaching English ethically with Ingrid Piller, covering topics like ethical TESOL in an English-dominant world, migrant parents fostering biliteracy, language challenges during Covid-19, monolingualism blind spots in multilingualism research, and the connection between World Englishes and multilingualism
English-centric scholarship limits understanding of multilingualism, neglecting non-English languages.
Promoting inclusive language research can bridge tensions between world Englishes and multilingualism perspectives.
Deep dives
The impact of English-centric scholarship on multilingualism
English-centric scholarship has limited the scope and understanding of multilingualism by primarily focusing on English-speaking countries and neglecting local considerations and non-English languages. This English-centric approach disregards the complexity of linguistic diversity and reinforces exclusionary practices in academia. Efforts should be made to challenge this paradigm by advocating for more equitable language teaching practices, promoting multilingual publications, and creating academic spaces that value and respect local languages and cultures.
The tension between world Englishes and multilingualism
The study of world Englishes, defined by English language variations across different countries, often operates within an English-centric framework, while multilingualism embraces the linguistic diversity and complexity of different languages in the world. The two fields exhibit tensions due to different perspectives on language dominance, cultural representation, and scholarship limitations. Efforts should be made to bridge these perspectives and promote inclusive and expansive language research that reflects the multilingual reality of the world.
Challenging the discourse on cultural dimensions like Hofstede's model
The persistence of models like Hofstede's cultural dimensions, which classify cultures based on national boundaries, perpetuates simplistic understandings of cultures and fails to capture their complexity. Such models, focusing on individualism, collectivism, masculinity, femininity, etc., limit our understanding of cultural diversity. It is important to challenge and move beyond these outdated models by promoting nuanced and context-specific research that acknowledges the fluidity and dynamism of cultures.
Utilizing digital platforms for cross-cultural engagement
The COVID-19 pandemic has compelled academics to engage through digital platforms, providing an opportunity for cross-cultural discussions and collaborations. These platforms can be used to challenge dominant paradigms, foster conversations amongst diverse scholars, and promote a more inclusive understanding of languages and cultures. The pandemic has highlighted the potential for increased global dialogue and collaboration, transcending traditional boundaries.
We discuss whether US native speakers of English can teach English ethically; how migrant parents can foster their children’s biliteracy; what the language challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic are; whether multilingualism researchers have a monolingual English-centric blind spot; and how the research paradigms of World Englishes and multilingualism connect.
“Chats in Linguistic Diversity” is a podcast about linguistic diversity in social life brought to you by the Language on the Move team. We explore multilingualism, language learning, and intercultural communication in the contexts of globalization and migration.