English Teaching: Practice and Critique
Importing Canagarajah's global English theories
Volume 6 Number 2 September 2007
Linda Shelton (English and Literature Department, Utah Valley State College)
Should an academic have respect toward cultural differences,
including variety in language? A. Suresh Canagarajah has written
extensively about global English and its power over vernacular
languages, stressing that language learning is not a politically
neutral activity. English teachers carry with them the possibility of
ideological domination and linguistic imperialism, so he urges language
teachers to critically examine their hidden curricula. If these
concepts are considered in the Periphery, do they also apply to the
Centre? These linguistic concepts can prepare English teachers to
understand the controversies surrounding Standard English as a prestige
dialect and help them to gain respect towards home languages of all
students. Sociolinguists confirm that identity depends on one's home
language, yet many still use a deficit perspective on any language not
deemed Standard English. More respectful attitudes can build a bridge
to speakers of non-prestige dialects, opening doors for students where
entrance has traditionally been denied. Often, people judge use of a
non-standard variety as a sign indicating lack of education. What an
irony that such a judgment actually signals a lack of linguistic
education.