ERIC Number: EJ1347763
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2022
Pages: 18
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: EISSN-2576-2907
Challenging Dominant Language Ideology in the Adult ESL Classroom: A Case Study
Constantin-Dureci, Gabriela
Studies in Applied Linguistics & TESOL, v22 n1 p1-18 2022
In the United States, dominant language ideology validates the use of Standardized English as the only appropriate linguistic practice (Lippi-Green, 1994; Flores & Rosa, 2015). In educational settings, dominant language ideology entails the beliefs in language standardization and monolingualism (Farr & Song, 2011). The present case study examines the beliefs and practices of one ESL teacher and investigates how dominant language ideology is reproduced and resisted in the adult ESL classroom. The study employs multiple sources and modes of data (a questionnaire, in-person observations, and a semi-structured interview) collected over multiple lessons. The study shows that the teacher generally resists dominant language ideology: she views students' code-switching as a resource, rather than a deficit and does not associate Standardized English with correctness. Accordingly, incorporating language variation in the ESL classroom is viewed as a necessary teaching practice. Nevertheless, the teacher reinforces the notion of the monolingual native speaker as the authority for linguistic expertise and, thus, aligns with the tenets of dominant language ideology. Ultimately, by offering an account of the beliefs and practices of one ESL teacher, the present study illuminates the ways in which teachers can resist dominant language ideology in the classroom and, thus, engage with critical language pedagogy.
Descriptors: Adult Education, Case Studies, English (Second Language), Second Language Learning, Second Language Instruction, Native Speakers, Language Variation, Language Attitudes, Teaching Methods, Standard Spoken Usage, Language Teachers, Teacher Attitudes, Code Switching (Language), Language Usage, Native Language, Monolingualism, Critical Theory, Teacher Student Relationship
Teachers College, Columbia University. 525 West 120th Street, New York, NY 10027. e-mail: tcsalt@tc.columbia.edu; Web site: https://tesolal.columbia.edu
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Adult Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: New York
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A