Teaching Comparative Literature in English(es): Decolonizing Pedagogy in the Multilingual ClassroomThis article reflects on the challenges that arise when the comparative literature classroom, especially in the Netherlands, is increasingly multilingual and simultaneously increasingly monolingual in its focus on English as a primary language. In view of moving comparative literary studies beyond its Eurocentric framework, what opportunities lie in teaching translated texts in “English(es)” in such a multilingual setting?
Decolonising Higher Education: Multilingualism, Linguistic Citizenship & Epistemic JusticeThis paper explores in what ways language – and multilingualism in particular – can be rethought in order to further epistemic justice. In order to situate the question of language in a broader decolonial project, it starts by critically reviewing three main strategies that have been proposed to address epistemic injustice in South African Higher Education over the last thirty years: scaffolding into colonial metropolitan languages, intellectualization and/or endogenization, and the use of translanguaging
How folk linguistic methods can support critical sociolinguistics•Epistemic claims about language are laden with power that structures inequalities.•Folk linguistic methods offer extra tools for critical sociolinguistic research.•Folk linguistic methods are diverse, so their critical contributions are diverse.•Researching local knowledge can decolonise sociolinguistic scholarship. This paper argues that folk linguistic research methods have much to offer critical sociolinguists concerned with linguistic inequalities and power structures.
Indigenous Language Revitalization and Applied Linguistics: Parallel Histories, Shared Futures?Damages done to Indigenous languages occurred due to colonial forces, some of which continue to this day, and many believe efforts to revive them should involve more than Indigenous peoples alone. Therefore, the need for learning Indigenous languages as “additional” languages is a relatively new societal phenomenon and Indigenous language revitalization (ILR) an emerging academic field of study. Applied linguists hold specific knowledge and skills that could be extended to ILR toward great gains. This paper explores current foci within ILR, especially concepts, theories, and areas of study that connect applied linguistics and Indigenous language learning. The intention of this paper is to consider commonalities, differences, current and future interests for shared consideration of the potential of collaborations, and partnerships between applied linguistics and ILR scholars.
Confronting Epistemological Racism, Decolonizing Scholarly Knowledge: Race and Gender in Applied LinguisticsRecent scholarship in sociolinguistics and language education has examined how race and language intersect each other and how racism influences linguistic and educational practices. This article aims to draw scholars’ attention on how epistemological racism marginalizes and erases the knowledge produced by scholars in the Global South, women scholars of color, and other minoritized groups.
Decolonization, Language, and Race in Applied Linguistics and Social JusticeCentering colonialism and racism in our analysis, this commentary considers how applied linguistics often focuses on modest reforms supporting affirmation and inclusion of marginalized populations and practices, rather than on fundamental institutional changes required to eradicate the forces that produce marginalization.
Is an Antiracist and Decolonizing Applied Linguistics Possible?This article argues for an uncovering of the multitude of ways in which applied linguistics has functioned as an important and effective vehicle for White supremacy and empire, with its disciplinary roots embedded in assumptions about racial inequalities and racial hierarchies. In this piece, the author considers what antiracism and decolonization mean within applied linguistics and asks: Is the discipline of applied linguistics irretrievably rooted in an ontology of race and empire?
Decolonizing Foreign Language Education: The Misteaching of English and Other Colonial Languages by Donaldo Macedo (Editor)Decolonizing Foreign Language Education interrogates current foreign language and second language education approaches that prioritize white, western thought. Edited by acclaimed linguist Donaldo Macedo, this volume includes cutting-edge work by a select group of critical language scholars working to rigorously challenge the marginalization of foreign language education and the displacement of indigenous and non-standard language varieties through the reification of colonial languages.
Location: Online
Publication Date: 2019
Envisioning TESOL Through a Translanguaging Lens by Zhongfeng Tian (Editor); Laila Aghai (Editor); Peter Sayer (Editor); Jamie L. Schissel (Editor)To respond to the multilingual turn in language education, this volume constitutes a challenge to the traditional, monolingual, and native speakerism paradigm in the field of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) through a translanguaging lens. The chapters offer complex global perspectives - with contributions from five continents - to open critical conversations on how to conceptualize and implement translanguaging in teacher education and classrooms of various contexts.
Postcolonial Linguistic Voices: Identity Choices and Representations by Eric A. Anchimbe (Editor); Stephen A. Mforteh (Editor)This volume investigates sociolinguistic discourses, identity choices and their representations in postcolonial national and social life, and traces them to the impact of colonial contact. The chapters stitch together current voices and identities emerging within both ex-colonized and ex-colonizer communities as each copes with the social, lingual, cultural, and religious mixes triggered by colonialism.