5-min definitions for teachers in a hurry: NATIVESPEAKERISM

Summary

This video explores the concept of native speakerism, a belief that native speakers of English are inherently superior teachers and models for learning the language. Developed by Edwin Holliday in 2005, native speakerism rests on the assumptions that native speakers possess innate language instincts and that only they can teach English effectively. The video critiques this logic, highlighting how it disregards diverse communicative contexts and unfairly discriminates against non-native English teachers. It emphasizes that successful communication depends on context and understanding, not nativeness, and exposes how native speaker preferences are often perpetuated through stereotypes and marketing strategies in educational settings worldwide.

Takeaways

• 😀 Racism is discrimination based on race, often rooted in the belief that one race is superior to others.
• 😀 Sexism is discrimination based on gender, typically favoring men over women.
• 😀 Native speakerism is discrimination against English teachers who are not native speakers, believing that native speakers are superior teachers and models.
• 😀 The term 'native speakerism' was developed in 2005 by Edwin Holliday.
• 😀 Native speakerism rests on two main assumptions: that native speakers naturally have superior language competence, and that they are inherently better teachers.
• 😀 The first assumption, that native speakers are ideal models, ignores the diversity of real-life communicative contexts where successful communication depends on context awareness, not nativeness.
• 😀 The second assumption, that native speakers are better teachers, is based on Western-centric ideals and can unfairly stigmatize non-Western teaching approaches.
• 😀 Native speakerism promotes an 'us versus them' mentality in English teaching, which falsely portrays non-native methods as inferior or dangerous.
• 😀 Despite widespread recognition of its flaws, native speakerism remains strong in many educational contexts worldwide, influencing hiring and teaching practices.
• 😀 Schools and universities often advertise for native speaker teachers as a marketing strategy, reinforcing the ideology.
• 😀 Effective communication and teaching are not determined by native-speaker status, but by the ability to read context and convey meaning clearly.

Q & A

What is the meaning of native speakerism in the context of English language teaching?

Native speakerism refers to the belief that native speakers of English are superior to non-native speakers, both as models of the language and as teachers. It stems from the assumption that native speakers are the ideal models for language learners and are better equipped to teach English.

How was the term 'native speakerism' first introduced?

The term 'native speakerism' was introduced by Edwin Holliday in 2005. It highlights the deep-rooted convictions in English language teaching that native speakers are seen as the best models for learning English.

What are the two main steps behind the logic of native speakerism?

The first step is that native speakers are seen as the best models for learning English because they are exposed to the language from birth and have developed native speaker instincts. The second step is the belief that native speakers make the best teachers because they can provide authentic English discourse and understand the best teaching methodologies.

What is the issue with the first step of the native speakerism logic?

The problem with the first step is that it fails to account for the diverse communicative situations that English users encounter. Successful communication doesn't depend on being a native speaker but on understanding the context and how to effectively communicate within it.

Why is the second step of native speakerism logic problematic?

The second step is problematic because it assumes that native speakers are inherently better teachers, which discriminates against non-native teachers. It is based on Western ideals of teaching that may not be applicable or appropriate in all cultural contexts, creating an 'us vs. them' mentality.

What is meant by the term 'othering' in the context of native speakerism?

Othering refers to the process of perceiving and treating non-native English teachers as inferior or 'other' compared to native speakers. It creates a divide that stigmatizes non-Western teaching methods and approaches as inferior.

How does native speakerism affect the global landscape of English teaching?

Native speakerism often leads to the preferential hiring of native speaker teachers, especially in advertising and marketing by schools. It perpetuates the belief that native speakers are ideal teachers, despite the existence of many capable non-native teachers.

How does the concept of native speakerism affect teachers' self-perception?

Non-native English teachers may feel inferior or less qualified because of the persistent belief in the superiority of native speakers. This can affect their confidence and teaching effectiveness, even if they are highly skilled.

What are the real-world implications of native speakerism in education systems?

Native speakerism can lead to discrimination in hiring practices, where only native speakers are considered for teaching positions, even if non-native speakers have the necessary qualifications and experience. It also influences the curriculum and teaching styles to favor Western norms.

What should be done to combat native speakerism in English language teaching?

To combat native speakerism, we need to challenge the assumptions that native speakers are always the best teachers. We should recognize the value of non-native teachers, embrace diverse teaching methods, and understand that successful communication in English depends on context, not just being a native speaker.