Native-Speakerism and Trans-Speakerism
Entering a New Era

Rooted in the liberating concept of trans-speakerism this book promotes equity and inclusion for all language practitioners and researchers.

Takaaki Hiratsuka (Author)

9781009512923, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 17 October 2024

176 pages
22.8 x 15.1 x 1 cm, 0.27 kg

'This book is a must-read for anyone who envisions a more inclusive future for English teaching-one that transcends the outdated dichotomy between native and nonnative speakers. Featuring perspectives from EFL teachers, graduate students, and academic faculty in Japan, it offers a compelling call to action for educators and researchers around the world to unite and rethink the global teaching of English. May the voices of those on the periphery be heard -thoughtful, truthful, and transformative.' Yasuhiro Fujiwara, Professor, Meijo University

Native-speakerism is a deeply embedded prejudice that perpetuates unequal power dynamics in language education. By introducing the liberating concept of trans-speakerism, this innovative book dismantles prevalent biases and reshapes the discourse in the field. It proposes inclusive designations such as global speaker of English (GSE), global teacher of English (GTE), and global Englishes researcher (GER), and urges a shift away from labels that maintain marginalization. By systematically reviewing previous studies, it challenges native-speakerism, and seeks to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion for all language speakers, teachers and researchers – transcending the limitations imposed by speakerhood statuses. The volume features the voices of non-native English-speaking (NNES) secondary school teachers, graduate students, and university professors in Japan, highlighting the strengths, interests, and uniqueness of language practitioners and researchers – both intellectually and emotionally. It ultimately encourages all language educators, researchers, and policymakers to oppose biases, welcome linguistic diversity, and develop inclusive language education environments.

1. Introduction: where it all began
2. Well-trodden path: native-speakerism
3. Untrodden path: trans-speakerism
4. Voices of secondary school teachers
5. Voices of graduate school students
6. Voices of university professors
7. Conclusion: where it all begins (again).

Subject Areas: Linguistics [CF]