Native English-speaking Teachers Research Articles

Does race matter? Insights into the professional experiences of foreign Asian English teachers in China

ABSTRACT This study explores the professional experiences of English teachers of East Asian descent (foreign Asian [FA] English teachers) in China, focusing on how these perceptions use race as a point of reference. To provide comparative accounts, the experiences of these FA teachers are examined from both their own perspectives and those of their colleagues. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with two FA native English-speaking teachers (NESTs), two White NESTs, and one White non-native English-speaking teacher (NNEST). Findings indicate that FA teachers in China are susceptible to inequalities in recruitment and salary compared to their White counterparts. However, these teachers also recognise the advantages of their shared racial identities as Asian, which facilitated stronger connections with their Chinese learners. These findings, analysed through the lens of critical race theory, highlight how racial identity impacts FA English teachers' professional experiences, revealing both the advantages and the challenges they face in their professional contexts.

Navigating English Language Instruction in China: Insights from Chinese Students on Native English-Speaking Teachers’ Practices

ABSTRACT This study uses the instructional beliefs model to analyse Chinese students’ perceptions of classes taught by Native English-Speaking Teachers (NESTs). Forty-five Chinese students from 12 universities in southwestern China participated in the semi-structured interviews. The findings indicate pedagogical practices were perceived positively for practical language application but criticized for culturally incompatible pedagogical practices. Instructional outcomes exhibited positive affective and behavioural changes but posed challenges in cognitive learning. The study underscores the need for tailored teaching approaches and an understanding of students’ expectations to enhance the overall effectiveness of NEST-led instruction in Chinese classrooms.

An Autoethnographic Account of a Native English-Speaking Teacher’s Change in Attitude to Non-Native English-Speaking Teachers

This study investigates and reflects upon how over a decade of teaching English as a foreign language my attitude towards non-native English-speaking teachers (NNESTs) changed from a negative perception to one of admiration. Focusing on language ideology and NNEST discrimination as conceptual lenses, I detail the evolution of my attitudes across time and space as a language educator using autoethnographic inquiry. I detail how my attitudinal changes towards NNESTs evolved, from beginnings where I questioned their authenticity, due to my sociocultural background, to a status where I espoused their competence and began researching how equity can be achieved in English language teaching (ELT) for NNESTs globally. I also summarize how my lived experiences can be replicated in official policy within ELT with a focus on critical reflexivity and exposure. As a ‘native English-speaking teacher,’ my experiences and perceptions seek to add countenance to those documented by NNESTs, therefore offering fluidity and depth to the discussion within the NNEST movement on how equity can be achieved.

(Dis)empowering native speakers? Teachers’ perceptions in Malta

Abstract The article explores the perceptions of English language teachers in Malta with respect to native English-speaking teachers. It discusses the results of a small-scale study involving interviews with teachers working in a boutique English language school. Although the participants acknowledge English’s global significance, the idea of NS supremacy persists. Malta’s colonial heritage reinforces the authority belonging to the NS and influences teachers’ perceptions, with those participants hailing from former colonies struggling with how the NS/NNS dichotomy affected their self-perception. The study discusses the enduring power of the standard varieties possessing prestige, and how British colonialism still impacts teachers’ perceptions. It emphasizes the duty to oppose native-speakerism and promote teachers’ cultural diversity. Finally, the article underscores the necessity for further teacher professional development tailored to the changing Maltese multilingual context amid English’s transformation from the language of power to a lingua franca.

Pedagogizing Identity in Professional Development: The Case of Two Native English-Speaking Teachers in Hong Kong

Pedagogizing Identity in Professional Development: The Case of Two Native English-Speaking Teachers in Hong Kong

Hybrid professional identities: exploring non-native English-speaking teachers’ lived experiences through the Cyborg Manifesto

ABSTRACT Drawing on Donna Haraway’s ‘Cyborg Manifesto’ and employing a hermeneutic phenomenological narrative enquiry approach, this article examines the complex professional identities of ‘non-native English-speaking (English) teachers (NNESTs) from immigrant backgrounds who speak English as an additional language in the Australian education system. Challenging the traditional binary division between native English-speaking teachers (NESTs) and NNESTs, this research reveals that NNESTs’ identities are fluid and multifaceted, akin to cyborgs, shaped by socio-historical discourses and influenced by determinants such as reflexivity, agency, and hybridity. NNESTs disrupt the established hierarchy in English language teaching, promoting inclusivity through their hybrid professional practices, driving pedagogical innovation, and contributing to the globalisation of education. Like cyborgs, they challenge traditional power structures and native speaker constructs, fostering a more equitable educational environment. This article endorses the recognition of ‘hybrid professional becoming’ in policy, practice, and teacher education, promising the development of intercultural teacher capabilities and inclusive, innovative, and equitable educational practices that enrich students’ English language learning experiences and reshape the field in alignment with Donna Haraway’s Cyborg Manifesto.

Discrimination Against Non-native English Speakers in the English Language Teaching Profession: Evidence from Internship Advertisements

Despite the non-native English-speaking teachers’ (NNESTs) movement, the literature documents widespread discrimination against NNESTs particularly in hiring discourse in English as a foreign language (EFL) contexts. The present study aims to shed light on another aspect of this discrimination in EFL internship advertisements by investigating the ideal interns’ qualifications and requirements as well as the characteristics of internship locations and fringe benefits attributed to the internship positions. To this aim, 13 international advertisements were chosen as the corpus of the study from the Premier TEFL website and were thematically analyzed. The results pointed to the native speaker fallacy in internship advertisements as all the programs required the candidates to be native speakers of inner-circle English-speaking countries or hold academic degrees from these locations. Additionally, a variety of selling strategies and marketing tactics such as the description of landscapes and outdoor activities along with a diversity of fringe benefits were utilized to attract native speakers. The results are discussed in the light of native speaker dominance in the profession and the ways to fight against this legacy. Finally, the paper ended with the implications the study has for various stakeholders including native English-speaking teachers (NESTs) and NNESTs themselves.

Challenging Native Speakerism: TEFL in Indonesia Beyond Native Speaker Fallacy

This article examines the English native speaker fallacy and its implications in the field of Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) in Indonesia. The NS fallacy refers to the belief that Native English-Speaking Teachers (NESTs) are inherently superior and more competent in teaching English, disregarding the importance of their Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PKC). Through a synthesis research methodology, this article involves examining, integrating, and synthesizing existing conceptual and empirical studies related to teacher professional identity, NESTs, TEFL, and its implementation in Indonesia. The findings suggest that the notion of standard English taught in EFL classrooms should be questioned, as it is influenced by linguistic imperialism and marginalizes World Englishes. In Indonesia, the dominance of standardized English tests further reinforces the perception that NESTs are more competent in teaching standard English. To challenge native speakerism, the article argues for a shift in focus from linguistic proficiency to pedagogical expertise when evaluating NESTs' qualifications. Emphasizing the value of Pedagogical Content Knowledge can lead to a more inclusive and equitable hiring process, where NESTs are assessed based on their teaching capabilities and experience. By prioritizing pedagogical expertise, educational institutions can promote a culturally responsive learning environment that embraces linguistic diversity and enhances the quality of English language education in a globalized world.

A survey into EFL students’ perceptions of studying English with native English-speaking teachers at Eastern International University Foreign Language Center

A survey into EFL students’ perceptions of studying English with native English-speaking teachers at Eastern International University Foreign Language Center

BEYOND FALLACIES: STRENGTHS AND QUALIFICATIONS FOR ENGLISH TEACHING PROFESSION IN INDONESIA

Proposing the idea of perception toward native English-speaking teachers (NESTs) and non-native English-speaking teachers (non-NESTs), this research was motivated by the historical changes from the ‘fallacies’ in finding the most suitable English teachers between the two categories to discussing their potential if those teachers collaborated in team teaching. This study aimed to reveal a) the top three language skills pre-service English teachers perceived to improve if taught by either NESTs or Indonesian English teachers and b) the priority list of qualifications to meet by them. The quantitative findings from a close-ended questionnaire involving 186 pre-service English teachers in the Department of English Education at an Indonesian university indicated that the respondents tend to view NESTs as good models to teach oral-aural skills such as listening, pronunciation, and speaking. On the other hand, Indonesian English teachers could better-supporting students in teaching written skills such as grammar, vocabulary, and writing skills, which are more related to accuracy and language features. For the second objective, our results indicated that our respondents agreed that the English teaching profession should have fair treatment. Both NESTs and Indonesian English teachers are required to have relevant academic qualifications, and teaching experiences were viewed.

Exploring the effect of students’ language learning strategies on Chinese students' perceptions of native and non-native English speaker teachers

The status of English as the most prominent global lingua franca has increased the need for effective English teachers worldwide. Particularly in China, there is a growing demand for English teachers, with a significant preference for native English-speaking teachers (NESTs) over non-native English-speaking teachers (NNESTs). This trend, often interpreted as an implicit or explicit endorsement of native-speakerism, has significant effects on Chinese students, and harms the teaching effectiveness and well-being of Chinese English teachers. While previous research has explored the roles of students' demographic characteristics on their views, few studies have delved into complex factors such as language learning strategies and educators' well-being. To address this research gap, this study investigates 470 English-major Chinese students' views on NESTs and NNESTs in relation to the well-being of the NESTs and NNESTs. The findings reveal that students view NESTs and NNESTs as possessing different strengths and weaknesses, which have various impacts on the teachers' well-being. Further, the students’ language learning strategies were positively correlated with their views of both NESTs and NNESTs. These discoveries have the potential to heighten student awareness about native-speakerism and develop potential methods for educators to augment their teaching effectiveness, so that teacher well-being is given adequate attention.

Students’ perceptions on native English-speaking teacher in EFL teaching

English is mostly used by people throughout the world because of its role as an international language. This situation makes many non-English language speaking countries apply English Language Teaching (ELT). The existence of Native English-Speaking Teacher (NEST) then becomes an alternative way to create better atmosphere in language teaching. This research revealed how actually the students’ perceptions toward the existence of NEST in ELT at the school. As the descriptive quantitative research, this research used questionnaire as the main instrument and interview as the supplemental instrument. The subjects of this study were the eleventh-grade students from a public vocational school. The students’ perceptions in this research were classified into 3 aspects. They were students’ perceptions toward NEST’s teaching, NEST’s strengths and weaknesses, and NEST’s behaviour. The research found that they perceived the NEST’s teaching was not understandable but they still could follow his explanation in some particular points. The students also perceived that the NEST was good in developing positive attitudes through his teaching, his confidence in using English, and his original accent. In another hand he was not really good in understanding the students’ culture and he could not use the students’ first language. Finally, they perceived that the NEST was a disciplinarian and strict teacher. However, he was perceived as a friendly and humorous person who totally used English in the class. and used various teaching materials.

EFL Learners and EFL Teaching in Türkiye: Native English-speaking Teachers’ Views

Many native English-speaking teachers (NESTs) work in Türkiye. NESTs as well as non-native English-speaking teachers (NNESTs) are the major stakeholders, and thus their views and experiences are worth exploring. Despite the ample research on NNESTs’ views, there is a scarcity of those of NESTs. This qualitative case study with four NESTs working at primary and secondary levels of a private school in Istanbul, aims to provide insights into their experiences with Turkish EFL learners and the EFL teaching and learning context in Türkiye. Data collected through an open-ended questionnaire and semi-structured interviews were analyzed qualitatively using the thematic analysis technique. Findings showed that Turkish EFL students are perceived as motivated, respectful, competitive and product-oriented learners, preferring more conventional practices like memorization and individual study. While oral fluency in English is seen as their strength, accuracy and literacy skills are evaluated as areas in need of development. The overall experience of the NESTs and their views about their work environment and colleagues are positive, yet factors such as the management style of the administrators, attitude of parents and their own incompetence in Turkish affect their views negatively and challenge them.

Teachers’ Views of L1 Use in English Speaking Classes : A Case Study of University Teachers in Korea

This study investigates the views of university English teachers in Korea teaching English speaking classes to develop a greater understanding of how L1 is used and for what reasons and purposes in the classroom. The primary means of data collection included a survey with multiple choice questions and open-ended questions, as well as semi-structured interviews. Thirteen teachers, five native English-speaking teachers (NESTs) and eight Korean English teachers (KETs) responded to the survey, among whom four teachers participated in the interviews. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics or qualitative methods, depending on their types. Findings revealed that teachers attempted to use English as the primary medium of instruction, adhering to class identity and their teaching beliefs. However, the majority also found themselves allowing for the use of Korean to some extent for reasons such as the students’ low English proficiency, course goals, the tense environment, common L1 among students, and the students’ demand, although some differences were observed in the way that Korean was used between NESTs and KETs. Teachers also showed more leniency towards the students’ Korean use as opposed to their own use of it and employed Korean for different purposes in each case. Discrepancies were found between NESTs and KETs in their purposes. For instance, NESTs focused their use of Korean on social purposes while KETs focused on managerial purposes. NESTs permitted students to use Korean for various purposes, whereas KETs focused mainly on affective and social purposes. However, both groups seldom considered the students’ use of Korean for linguistic purposes. Further discussions on implications for teachers, education administrators, and researchers are provided.

Discriminatory Practices Against Non-Native English Speaker Teachers in Colombia’s Language Centers: A Multimodal Study

This multimodal/multimedia discourse analysis explored institutional practices regarding native and non-native English speaker teachers in five language centers in Medellín, Colombia, as reflected in interviews with coordinators and teachers, language centers’ websites, social media, and recruitment materials. Data were analyzed using content and multimodal discourse analysis. Findings unveiled that, in general, these language centers favor native English speaker teachers and discriminate against non-native English speaker teachers in multiple ways, as the former are privileged in job searches, are asked fewer hiring requirements, have more room for negotiation, earn higher salaries, and enjoy more perks.

Teacher well-being matters: The case of students’ motivation on their own perceptions of native and non-native English speaker teachers

English has become the most-widely used lingua franca in international communication, creating a demand for effective English teachers around the world. In reality, there is a surging demand for English teachers around the world and in China, with a greater inclination for native English-speaking teachers (NESTs) over non-native English-speaking teachers (NNESTs), a phenomenon commonly known as explicit or implicit advocacy of native-speakerism. Research has shown that Chinese students are affected by native-speakerism, harming Chinese English teachers' feelings and instructional practices. Even though research has shown that student characteristics play a role in students' perceptions of their teachers' effectiveness, few have examined more complex variables such as motivation and teacher well-being. To fill the research gap, we investigated 470 Chinese English-major students' perceptions of NESTs and NNESTs in relation to NNESTs' psychological well-being. Results show that students perceived NESTs and NNESTs as having different strengths and weaknesses. Such perceptions had various effects on both groups' well-being. Students' motivation was found positively correlated to their perceptions of NESTs and NNESTs. We discuss these findings for the purpose of raising students' awareness of native-speakerism and identifying possible means for teachers to improve their teaching effectiveness by adopting motivational strategies so that teacher well-being is given sufficient attention.

Narratives from NESTs: Pedagogical insights from Communication Skills Teaching

This research delved into how the viewpoints and teaching philosophies of native English-speaking teachers (NESTs) influence their unique teaching methods and the broader consequences that arise from their practical teaching experiences. The study involved three educators—Dick, Anne, and Sam—currently working at different universities. These instructors brought their distinct personal and educational backgrounds to the research. Employing a qualitative case study approach, the data collection spanned nearly a year, covering the duration of 2020. Various techniques, including surveys, interviews, email correspondences, and classroom observations, were employed to gather data. The collected information underwent analysis using the constant comparison method and coding techniques, revealing significant themes within individual cases and across cases: defined roles of NESTs; pedagogical approaches; assessment; feedback; and guidance for learning English.

“Being a native is not enough if you are not White”: The identity construction trajectory of an African American English language teacher at a Saudi university

Increasing research has recently been devoted to issues of racism within TESOL; however, most studies have been directed towards the unearned privilege of teachers labelled as ‘native English-speaking teachers’ (‘NESTs’) and the unjust marginalization of those perceived as ‘non-native English-speaking teachers’ (‘NNESTs’). This focusing on the former as the exclusive beneficiaries and the latter as the sole victims of racial discrimination has led to overlooking a large portion of language teachers whose professional experiences fit neither group. Approached through the lenses of communities of practice (Lave & Wenger, 1991; Wenger, 1998) and critical race theory, and guided by a narrative inquiry approach, this qualitative study tackles this gap by investigating the professional identity construction trajectory of an African American English language teacher working in a dominated by the native speakerism ideology Saudi university. Relying on in-depth interviews as the main data source, the findings revealed that the participant’s trajectory and forms of (non)participation were profoundly, yet detrimentally, shaped by his non-Whiteness. The study concludes with implications for research, practice, and policy.

The NEST/NNEST Binary and Translingual Identity of U.S.-Educated EFL Instructors in Saudi Arabia: A Study on Linguistic and Cultural Navigation in the Classroom

This study contributes to the Global Southern epistemological debates on the professional identity negotiations of Global-North-educated English as a Foreign Language (EFL) instructors. Using semi-structured interviews, the study analyses how two Saudi Arabian EFL instructors, during their PhD studies in the United States, and upon their return home, coped with the phenomenon of native-speakerism and navigated their way through the binary of Native English-Speaking Teachers (NEST) and Non-Native English-Speaking Teachers (NNEST) in their teaching. They appreciated their Western education not due to the traditional privileged-Global-North-and-underprivileged-Global-South binary but because of the many ways in which it helped them negotiate their translingual identity. They saw themselves as better placed to give constructive feedback to learners but critiqued the NESTs’ inability to base themselves in the local culture and positioned themselves above NESTs due to their knowledge of indigenous Saudi culture. Thus, they dismantled the traditional privilege associated with native-speakerism but did not hail one category over the other. Instead, they picked from both categories the materials, ways, means and attitudes that best served their purpose. They strove for hybridity. Through their negotiation of their foreign education and local challenges, they developed a unique translingual identity.

Professional Identities of Local Japanese Teachers of English (JTEs) Vis-à-Vis their Foreign Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs)

ABSTRACT The team-teaching approach between local language teachers (non-native English-speaking teachers: NNESTs) and foreign language teachers (native English-speaking teachers: NESTs) has been implemented in a number of countries. Japan is no exception. Team teaching in Japan—conducted by local Japanese teachers of English (JTEs) and foreign assistant language teachers (ALTs), particularly through the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) program—has received high acclaim both domestically and internationally. Nevertheless, empirical studies on these team teachers’ identities remain insufficient. The purpose of this article is to describe and elucidate the identities of one cohort of those team teachers in Japan: those of the JTEs through the lens of their relationships with their ALTs. Data were gathered via narrative interviews from eight JTEs who differed in terms of demographic variables. The findings underscored that JTEs predominantly perceive their professional reflexive identities as (a) inadequate language teachers and (b) overworked caregivers, shedding light on the nuanced dynamics within this collaborative teaching paradigm.