Routledge Non-native Educators in English Language Teaching

The place of native and non-native speakers in the role of English teachers has probably been an issue ever since English was taught internationally. Although ESL and EFL literature is awash, in fact dependent upon, the scrutiny of non-native learners, interest in non-native academics and teachers is fairly new. Until recently, the voices of non-native speakers articulating their own concerns have been even rarer. This book is a response to this notable vacuum in the ELT literature, providing a forum for language educators from diverse geographical origins and language backgrounds. In addition to presenting autobiographical narratives, these authors argue sociopolitical issues and discuss implications for teacher education, all relating to the theme of non-native educators in ETL. All of the authors are non-native speakers of English. Some are long established professionals, whereas others are more recent initiates to the field. All but one received part of the higher education in North America, and all except two of the chapters are at least partially contextualized in North America. Particularly relevant for non-native speakers who aspire to enter the profession, graduate students in TESOL programs, and teacher educators, the unique nature of this book's contributors and its contents will interest researchers and professionals in applied linguistics generally and in ELT, and all those who are concerned with the role of non-native speakers in English-language teaching. Review "This book should be required reading for all ESL/EFL teachers, graduate students, and administrators. It exposes the spurious advantages that NSs have over NNSs for what they are--falsely held beliefs. In fact, all TESOL teawcher education programs should re-examine their content and approach to teacher training in light of the suggestions given in this book."—TESL-EJ "It is an achievement that the editor took the leadership to organize a TESOL caucus for non-native educators and put this book together. Non-Native Educators in English Language Teaching should be read by everyone in the TESOL profession for further productive discussions and movement in improving the TESOL teaching and learning environment."—TESL Reporter "Non-Native Educators in English Language Teaching is highly recommended to everyone, both NSs and NNSs, in the ELT profession."—Studies in Second Language Acquisition "If you see the title Non-Native Educators in English Language Teaching and think that the book is only about non-native educators, and intended solely for them, read it, and you will be amazed by its richness and the insights it offers for not only non-native but also native-speaker professionals....As a NNS myself, I find Non-Native Educators in English Language Teaching inspiring, enlightening and edifying."—English Language Teaching Journal "... Very forward looking....Addresses an issue that is critical to all people interested in the present and future of English language teaching. As the number of non-native speakers wishing to learn English grows, the question of who is best qualified to teach the subject becomes central. Does a teacher who is a native speaker of English possess an advantage that no amount of work and study by a non-native speaker can match? What myths and misperceptions guide the thinking and attitudes of learners, program administrators, policymakers, and peers, and how can they be debunked? And what kind of English are we talking about, anyway? An assemblage of writings by NNS speakers is a terrific concept. The array and choice lend credibility to the text. Prominence is given to voices that often go unheard. The book has undeniable authority in this respect."—Esther IwanagaWellesley College "An extremely valuable attempt to illuminate the existing dichotomy of native speakers versus non-native speakers in the TESOL/ELT profession, with scholarly, educational, linguistic, and sociopolitical implications.