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ERIC Number: EJ796947
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2007-Sep
Pages: 12
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0346-251X
EISSN: N/A
Native-Speakerism in ELT: Plus ca Change...?
Waters, Alan
System: An International Journal of Educational Technology and Applied Linguistics, v35 n3 p281-292 Sep 2007
In ELT, the over-representation of the "native-speaker" (NS) point of view at the expense of the "non-native-speaker" (NNS) one--"native-speakerism"--has long been a significant problem. However, this paper argues that the current main applied linguistics attempt to remedy the situation--the use of a "critical theory" (CT) approach--rather than bringing about true progress, simply perpetuates the status quo in a new guise, by substituting one kind of hegemony for another. The way in which this occurs with respect to a central area of the CT critique of native-speakerism--the proscription of generalisations by NSs about the cultural characteristics of NNSs--is therefore explored. It is shown that in the case in question, (i) insufficient empirical evidence is provided for claims made, and (ii), via a review of relevant literature, that an underdeveloped concept of stereotyping is employed. As a preferred means of trying to ameliorate native-speakerism in ELT, therefore, the case is outlined for the continued and increased use of more traditional (but still valuable) epistemological approaches.
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A