TY - JOUR

T1 - Native-speakerism in ELT: Plus ca change?

AU - Waters, Alan

PY - 2007/9

Y1 - 2007/9

N2 - 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.

AB - 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.

U2 - 10.1016/j.system.2007.01.002

DO - 10.1016/j.system.2007.01.002

M3 - Journal article

VL - 35

SP - 281

EP - 292

JO - System

JF - System

SN - 0346-251X

IS - 3

ER -