non-English Speaking Countries Research Articles

The Evolution of EFL and ELL (2000-2024): Impact of Culture, Technology, and Innovative Pedagogies on Language Learning

For nearly a century, English language has consistently remained a global phenomenon with a continued business relevance; the mandatory inclusion of English Language Learning (ELL) in Asian, African and other non-native English-speaking countries is proof of the same. Consequently, research about English as a Foreign Language (EFL) has continued too. Despite ample empirical studies in the past that have examined the role of culture, linguistics, technology or digital tools in EFL, there are limited studied that holistically investigate and review the learning and successful implementation of EFL and its influencing factors. The current study is an attempt to systematically synthesize the findings from empirical studies undertaken between early 2000 and 2024 in the domains of EFL and ELL for a sample of 53 journal articles. The research also aims to draw a scientific relationship between the most relevant concepts surrounding ELL and EFL. To achieve this, the study conducted a systematic literature review coupled with Bibliometric mapping analysis. The study concluded that the upward surge of technological advancements and World Wide Web has transformed learning EFL. Cultural diversity, and technological or digital tools are key influencing factors and innovative teaching/learning pedagogies in EFL and ELL that can enhance the success rates in EFL and ELL in non-native English-speaking countries.

Health inequities in cardiac care and cardiovascular guideline concordance in Australian migrant populations: data correlation for culturally and linguistically diverse populations (DatCALD) project

Abstract Background Evidence of inequities in acute cardiac care and concordance with cardiovascular guidelines in migrant populations have not been well documented in Australia. Additionally, knowledge of correlations between clinical data and population health data of these marginalised groups is seriously lacking. Purpose To establish an interactive population health atlas and perform data correlations to determine health inequities in cardiac care provision in emergency departments (EDs) and examine guideline concordance in migrant populations. Methods This study correlated population health data derived from public health surveillance systems with the clinical data of migrant populations in Australia. The interactive atlas has been established and data correlations between relevant variables have been produced. Degree of correlations were presented as a correlation coefficient (r). Results The evidence revealed a strong relationship between migrant status and poor cardiac care provision. Migrant populations who were born overseas in non-English-speaking (NES) countries were less likely to access universal health coverage in Australia (Medicare) and were more likely to live with socioeconomic disadvantage (r= 0.24). Birthplaces of migrants were associated with longer processing time for cardiac care in ED, including time to meet an ED doctor and total ED stay time (Figure 1). Migrant populations were less likely to receive cardiac care at triage within the recommended timeframe of 10 minutes (r= -0.35), whereas the Australian-born group were more likely to reach ED treatment within 10 minutes (r= -0.52). Interestingly, migrants who were born in English speaking countries had the strongest relationship with an ED stay longer than the recommended time of four hours (r= -0.42). An association between migrant populations and non-concordance with guidelines for management of chest pain was evident (Figure 2). The population born overseas in NES countries, resident in Australia ≥ 5 years had the strongest correlation with non-concordance (r= 0.50); whereas the Australian-born population were the most likely to meet the concordance guideline. The evidence suggested that permanent migrants entering Australia between 2000-2006 under family and skill stream visas have a higher likelihood of non-concordance with guidelines for chest pain management (r= 0.50) compared to those of this group who arrived in Australia after 2006. Conclusions Health inequities in cardiac care in ED and concordance with cardiovascular guidelines have been found to be associated with migrant status at varying degrees, related to their birthplace and duration of residency. Universal health coverage and sociocultural factors are related to those health inequities. Addressing these determinants of health, normalizing cultural competence and increase health service accessibility are recommended to promote and sustain health equities and wellbeing in these disadvantaged populations.Birthplace and ED provisionBirthplace and non-concordance

Oral interpretation skills among English-majored graduates: A case of those from a university in Vietnam

It is undoubtedly believed that the ability to deliver effective presentations in English is not merely an academic requirement but also a vital skill for success in the professional world. Students who excel in delivering presentations often demonstrate higher levels of critical thinking, research ability, and overall academic achievement. Unfortunately, delivering presentations in English poses a significant challenge for many students, particulary those in non-native English-speaking countries like Viet Nam. Via a mixed-methods approach, the current study investigates the oral consecutive interpretation skills of English-majored graduates from Thu Dau Mot University (TDMU), finding out the challenges faced by these students in oral interpretation, focusing on four key stages: listening and understanding, notetaking, decoding notes, and expressing and reformulating. In the quantitative process, 150 graduates completed a survey questionnaire, providing broad data for statistical analysis. The qualitative process involved direct observations and semistructured interviews with 10 graduates. The observations in real-world settings utilized a structured checklist to assess four critical phases of consecutive interpretation: listening and understanding, note-taking, decoding notes, and reformulating and expressing. Key findings indicate that graduates face significant challenges in each phase. In the listening and understanding phase, difficulties include maintaining focus and comprehending complex content. Note-taking challenges involve developing effective techniques and balancing listening with writing. The note-decoding phase reveals issues with accurately reconstructing messages under time pressure. In the reformulating and expressing phase, graduates struggle with delivering fluent and coherent interpretations, especially under stress. The study highlights the importance of cognitive and memory skills, effective notetaking, stress management, and public speaking abilities in successful interpretation. This research underscores the need for a practical approach to interpreter training that addresses both technical and psychological aspects.

Enhancing English abstract quality for non-English speaking authors using ChatGPT: A comparative study of Taiwan, Japan, China, and South Korea with slope graphs.

A clear and proficient English abstract is crucial for disseminating research findings to a global audience, significantly impacting the accessibility and visibility of research from non-English speaking countries. Despite the adoption of ChatGPT since November 30, 2022, a comprehensive analysis of improvements in English abstracts in scholarly journals has not been conducted. This study aims to identify which authors from Taiwan, Japan, China, and South Korea (TJCS) have shown the most improvement in English abstracts. Article abstracts published in Medicine (Baltimore) sourced from the Web of Science Core Collection from 2020 to 2023 were downloaded. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative analysis of linguistic quality indicators and qualitative assessments of coherence and engagement using the Rasch model. Ten quality indicators were determined by prompting ChatGPT. Two scenarios were analyzed: (1) generative pretrained transformer (GPT) versus non-GPT (each with 30 abstracts from 2021) and (2) TJCS in comparison (each with 100 abstracts from 2021 and 2023, respectively). Standardized mean differences were compared using paired samples t test. Visuals including forest plots, Rasch Wright Map, the slope graph, and scatter plot with 95% control lines were used to examine the 2 scenarios. (1) No significant difference was found between GPT and non-GPT abstracts with Rasch logit scores of 3.31 and 3.17, respectively (P = .42), likely due to small sample size (n = 30); (2) significant difference exists between 2020 and 2023 in each country, and between South Korea and Taiwan in 2020. Among TJCS, Taiwan showed the greatest improvement in English abstract quality post-ChatGPT implementation, followed by Japan, China, and South Korea. The English abstracts in Medicine (Baltimore) have improved, reflecting the tool's positive impact on enhancing technical language. This study demonstrates that ChatGPT can enhance the quality of English abstracts for authors from non-English speaking regions, although the assumption that all authors use ChatGPT is invalid and impractical. The findings underscore the value of artificial intelligence tools in academic writing and recommend further investigation into the long-term implications of artificial intelligence integration in scholarly communication.

Overcoming a stumbling block: Challenges of English-medium instruction for Vietnamese tertiary Students

English as a medium of instruction (EMI) is a growing global phenomenon, and non-native English-speaking (NNES) countries have increasingly adopted EMI courses in higher education over the past few decades in response to the momentum of globalization and internationalization. However, implementing EMI initiatives in Vietnam has faced numerous challenges and constraints. While there has been extensive research on the difficulties faced by content teachers in EMI classrooms, there is a lack of scholarly inquiry into the challenges students encounter in EMI programs in Vietnam. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the challenges faced by university students in EMI classrooms. The study used a mixed-methods research approach, gathering quantitative and qualitative data through a questionnaire and semi-structured interviews, respectively. The participants were 120 students enrolled in EMI programs at a public university in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam. The results revealed that students faced significant challenges in their EMI learning course. Precisely, they needed help comprehending course materials, understanding lectures, taking examinations, and participating in classroom discussions. Based on the results of the study, practical implications were discussed to enhance the effectiveness of EMI programs in higher education contexts.

AI-generated text in otolaryngology publications: a comparative analysis before and after the release of ChatGPT.

This study delves into the broader implications of artificial intelligence (AI) text generation technologies, including large language models (LLMs) and chatbots, on the scientific literature of otolaryngology. By observing trends in AI-generated text within published otolaryngology studies, this investigation aims to contextualize the impact of AI-driven tools that are reshaping scientific writing and communication. Text from 143 original articles published in JAMA Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery was collected, representing periods before and after ChatGPT's release in November 2022. The text from each article's abstract, introduction, methods, results, and discussion were entered into ZeroGPT.com to estimate the percentage of AI-generated content. Statistical analyses, including T-Tests and Fligner-Killeen's tests, were conducted using R. A significant increase was observed in the mean percentage of AI-generated text post-ChatGPT release, especially in the abstract (from 34.36 to 46.53%, p = 0.004), introduction (from 32.43 to 45.08%, p = 0.010), and discussion sections (from 15.73 to 25.03%, p = 0.015). Publications of authors from non-English speaking countries demonstrated a higher percentage of AI-generated text. This study found that the advent of ChatGPT has significantly impacted writing practices among researchers publishing in JAMA Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, raising concerns over the accuracy of AI-created content and potential misinformation risks. This manuscript highlights the evolving dynamics between AI technologies, scientific communication, and publication integrity, emphasizing the urgent need for continued research in this dynamic field. The findings also suggest an increasing reliance on AI tools like ChatGPT, raising questions about their broader implications for scientific publishing.

A need analysis of English proficiency in engineering graduates: perspectives of the world’s leading companies in Thailand

ABSTRACT This study examines the crucial role of English proficiency in engineering careers, specifically within multinational corporations, addressing disparities between industry expectations and graduates’ language skills in non-native English-speaking countries. It aims to bridge this gap by aligning engineering English courses with international job market demands. Focusing on leading Thai companies with global headquarters, the investigation employs various techniques, including interviews, the index of item-objective congruence, the analytic hierarchy process, the analysis of variance, the Wilcoxon signed-ranks test, and a matrix plot. The comprehensive gap analysis highlights verbal communication skills as highly valued by engineering firms, emphasising adjustments in English curricula towards listening and speaking skills, with reading and writing skills constituting a smaller portion. Cross-regional consistency in skill importance is confirmed, facilitating generalisable conclusions. The research underlines the necessity for universities to improve students’ abilities in technical conversations, presentations, and negotiations through tailored lesson plans aligned with industry requirements.

Anxiety Inventory for Respiratory Disease: Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Semantic Validity of the Brazilian Version for Individuals with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Most instruments available to screen for anxiety in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are not disease specific. Therefore, the Anxiety Inventory for Respiratory Disease (AIR) was developed to measure anxiety for this patient group; however, it requires cross-cultural adaptation for use in non-English speaking countries. To carry out cross-cultural adaptation of the AIR scale for Brazilian patients with COPD and to analyze its semantic validity. This methodological study followed six stages: 1) Initial translation by two independent translators fluent in English; 2) Synthesis of translations; 3) Back translation by two English first language translators; 4) Expert committee review (eight healthcare professionals, a methodologist, the translators, and back-translators); 5) Pre-final version evaluation with 30 patients with COPD through a cognitive interview; and 6) Submission of documents. Semantic validity was analyzed by agreement rate and content validity index (CVI) for the committee equivalence assessments. 1) Initial translation: the two translated versions presented eight divergences; 2) Synthesis of translations: the differences were discussed to reach consensus; 3) Back-translation: there were no important inconsistencies; 4) Expert Committee: the experts proposed eight and the instrument developer proposed three changes, which were analyzed and voted on, resulting in the pre-final version; 5) Evaluation of the pre-final version: data collection allowed for other changes and the formulation of instructions by applying the adapted instrument in an interview format. Patients rated the questions as clear or very clear; 6) The expert committee and the developer approved the final documents. The agreement rate and CVI were ≥ 0.80 for all items of the scale final version. The process of cross-cultural adaptation followed all necessary stages and the semantic validity results were adequate, providing the Brazilian version of the AIR to assess anxiety symptoms in patients with COPD.

Virtual bridges to global competence

This study explores the effectiveness of a virtual exchange programme in enhancing English proficiency and intercultural communication among learners in non-English speaking countries. Through a mixed-methods approach, the research evaluated pre-and post-engagement competencies of participants over an eight-week period. Results indicated significant improvements in intercultural communication and English language skills, despite challenges such as technological limitations and time zone differences. In summary, the study highlights the potential of virtual exchange programmes for fostering cultural understanding and language development in tertiary education, advocating for further exploration in diverse intercultural settings.

EFL LECTURERS’ PRACTICE, PERCEPTION, AND EVALUATION OF ENGLISH AS THE MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION IN TERTIARY EDUCATION

Higher education institutions in non-English speaking countries, such as Indonesia, have practised English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI) in teaching-learning activities. Previous studies have explored EMI implementation policies and the difficulties of their implementation in Indonesian higher education contexts. However, this study examined the perception, comprehension, practices, and evaluation of EMI in Indonesia where English functions as a foreign language. The data of this study were taken from questionnaires distributed to 42 English lecturers. The results reveal that most lecturers’ speaking skills are in the very good category, 95% of lecturers understand the EMI concept well and always apply EMI to learning activities. In EMI practice, the lecturers face obstacles, especially in arguing concepts, explaining and clarifying concepts, giving examples, and defining concepts. In addition, the lecturers reported barriers to expressing content materials in English, preparing long materials, and requiring a longer time to explain materials. The study also reported some students' problems in EMI practice, especially dealing with their low confidence in using English and low ability to comprehend materials. To apply EMI successfully, both lecturers and students need to improve their speaking skills in the context of higher education in Indonesia.

Empowering English as a Foreign Language Education With the Production-Oriented Approach: A Systematic Review

<p style="text-align:justify">The field of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) instruction has gained recognition worldwide, particularly in non-native English-speaking countries. However, traditional teaching methods fall short of meeting the needs of today's EFL learners. In response, the Production-Oriented Approach (POA) has emerged as a new pedagogical approach to address these challenges. Despite its significant impact on EFL education, there is a lack of reviews on the POA. This study conducted a systematic review to explore the POA's effectiveness, challenges, and future trends. Using the PRISMA framework, 31 articles from reputable databases (Web of Science, Education Resources Information Center, Scopus, and Google Scholar) were analyzed, covering the years 2018 to 2023. The study's comprehensive analysis, employing Nvivo, revealed that the POA has immense potential for enhancing English learners' language skills, particularly in reading, speaking, writing, and translating. Moreover, the study highlighted the POA's positive influence on learners' affective factors, including motivation, confidence, critical thinking, and self-directed learning abilities. Nonetheless, the POA faces challenges for both teachers and learners, particularly during the transition from traditional methods and the associated increase in workload. Despite these challenges, this study unequivocally establishes the POA as an effective pedagogical approach for teaching EFL. Additionally, it identifies research gaps that must be addressed to sustain and improve EFL education in the future through further development of the POA.</p>

Translating perceived affective quality attributes of soundscape from English into Korean

The primary goal of ISO 12913 series is to foster a wide-ranging international consensus and establish a universal framework for interdisciplinary and professional communication about soundscapes. However, a critical challenge arises in non-English speaking countries regarding translating Perceived Affective Qualities (PAQs) from English. This translation issue is pivotal in accurately evaluating soundscapes according to the guidelines set by ISO/TS 12913–2, as it directly affects the reliability and consistency of soundscape assessments across different linguistic and cultural contexts. To address this, the Soundscape Attributes Translation Project (SATP) was initiated, focusing on the translation and validation of soundscape PAQs across various languages, with this study specifically aiming to be translated into Korean. This study aims to translate the soundscape PAQs suggested in ISO/TS 12913–2 Method A into Korean and examine the differences in soundscape evaluation between Korean and English. The study is divided into three phases. In Phase I, we gathered a wide range of possible Korean translations for the soundscape attributes and narrowed this down to twenty-four attributes. Phase II involved a quantitative evaluation of these 24 attributes to derive the most appropriate Korean attributes for the translation of soundscape PAQ. Finally, in Phase III, a listening test was conducted to discern the differences in soundscape evaluations between Korea and the UK. This comprehensive approach led to the identification of eight Korean soundscape attributes. With these attributes, twenty-seven different soundscapes were evaluated, revealing notable differences, particularly in the interpretation of the attribute ’monotonous’ between English and Korean evaluations. The findings are expected to contribute significantly to the standardization of soundscape evaluation in Korea and lay a foundation for future soundscape research and assessment in the Korean context.

Harm from the drinking of people you know: A range of effects from different relationships.

To describe the range of effects experienced due to the drinking of people respondents know and analyze risk and protective factors for harm from the drinking of partners and household members, other relatives and friends and co-workers. Surveys of 2574 participants' experiences were obtained from two samples: 1000 people responded to random digitally dialled Australian mobile calls and 1574 participants responded from the Life in AustraliaTMpanel survey. Respondents were asked whether they had been negatively affected in the previous 12 months by the drinking of persons they knew who were 'a heavy drinker or drank a lot sometimes' and the nature of these harms. Weighted logistic regressions were used to analyze differences in rates of key negative outcomes from known others' drinking by gender, age and socio-economic status. Almost two thirds [60.2%; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 57.7%-62.7%] of participants reported having heavy drinkers in their lives and 21.8% (95% CI = 19.8%-23.9%) reported being negatively affected by the drinking of people they knew well in some way. Participants reported a gamut of effects, including, most commonly, adverse social effects: having to transport relatives and friends who had been drinking, role failure and faults, being emotionally hurt or neglected, serious arguments, family problems, having to care for drinkers and verbal abuse. Less commonly, respondents reported physical or sexual harm, property damage, financial stress and threats from others' drinking. Women (odds ratio = 1.49; 95% CI = 1.13-1.95), younger people, rural, Australian-born (vs. respondents born overseas in non-English speaking countries) and more frequent drinkers were more likely to report harm from a drinker they knew than their counterparts after adjusting for other variables in the model. Australians appear to be commonly adversely affected by the drinking of people they know. Harms from known drinkers are more likely to be experienced by women than men, particularly from the people they live with and other relatives.

A Systematic Review of English Language Teacher Agency

This systematic review of literature aims to systematically investigate language teacher agency as the capacity of teachers to act purposefully to direct their professional growth, find solutions to educational challenges they face, and improve their classroom practices for the sake of effectiveness in the classroom. Four inclusion criteria were established before conducting the research. Only empirical studies published between 2000 and 2022, which were done in a context in which the instructional language is English, the articles investigating ESL/EFL student teachers’, pre-service or in-service teachers’ agency, and the ones investigating agency of teachers from non-English speaking countries were included. Piri database search engine was used for identifying published empirical articles for this systematic review. 410 studies to be eligible were identified, 67 articles were read, and 12 empirical studies met the inclusion criteria. The results showed that most of the studies have been done in a qualitative approach, and four out of 12 articles have adopted a CDST perspective, which is overwhelmed by non-CDST ones. This result demonstrates that the paradigm shift adopting a CDST perspective in applied linguistics research methods is in its infancy.

Adaptation of the Communities That Care Youth Survey for Use in Estonia: A Pilot Study.

The Communities That Care Youth Survey (CTCYS) assesses risk and protective factors, predicting a range of behavioural health problems, including substance use, violence, and delinquency. Although the survey has been adapted to other contexts and languages, further studies on cross-cultural adaptations, particularly in non-English speaking countries, are needed. In 2022, CTCYS was adapted for Estonia, incorporating 38 risk and protective factors, along with measures of substance use, antisocial behaviour, mental health problems, and self-harm. This study investigated the psychometric properties and applicability of the CTCYS in Estonia. The adaptation process involved translating and refining the US CTCYS, followed by focus group discussions with students and specialists and a pilot study in two municipalities, with data obtained from 265 students. A focus group with municipality members explored the measure's feasibility. Results indicate that the original CTC framework largely captures key issues within the Estonian context. Overall, the survey showed good validity, as evidenced by its ability to predict problem outcomes through both risk and protective factors. Regarding reliability, with the removal of one item, internal consistency reached acceptable levels for all but eight risk and protective factor subscales. The most problematic scales in the Estonian context were Prosocial Involvement, Social Skills, and Belief in the Moral Order. Municipality members perceived the measure as useful but highlighted some challenges regarding its practicality and comprehensibility. It became clear that other elements are needed to effectively support communities in using the CTCYS results for preventive efforts.

Should Medicine be Taught in Leading Medical Languages or the Mother Tongue?

Abstract In non-English speaking developing countries, several debates have arisen over choosing the language of instruction in medical education, whether it should be one of the leading medical languages, such as English, or the mother tongue. In this article, we discuss this debate and provide a brief review of the pedagogical evidence supporting the superiority of the mother tongue as a language of instruction. We also highlight the academic challenges associated with second-language-based medical education and emphasize the impact of language of instruction on the doctor–patient relationship and health care. Finally, we examine the reasons or arguments for not including the mother tongue in medical education. In conclusion, the importance of English as a leading scientific and medical language should not overshadow the crucial role of the native language as the language of instruction in non-English speaking countries. Each country should develop strategies to include the mother tongue in medical education, following the example of developed countries.

Acute rotenone poisoning: A scoping review

ContextRotenone is a toxic chemical found in various plants, including some used as food. Rotenone poisoning can be fatal and there is no antidote. Mechanistically, rotenone inhibits mitochondrial complex I, leading to reduced ATP production, compensatory glycolytic upregulation and secondary lactate production, and oxidative stress. Our literature review examined acute rotenone poisoning in humans, including exposure scenarios, clinical presentations, and treatments. MethodsWe searched five databases for relevant literature from database inception through the search date: July 12, 2022, pairing controlled vocabulary and keywords for “rotenone” with terms relating to human exposures and outcomes, such as “ingestion,” “exposure,” and “poisoning.” We included all peer-reviewed reports found using the search terms where the full English text was available. Data abstracted included the number, age, weight, and sex of the exposed person(s), country where exposure happened, exposure scenario, ingestion context, estimated dose, clinical features, whether hospitalization occurred, treatments, and outcomes. ResultsAfter removing non-qualifying sources from 2,631 publications, we identified 11 case reports describing 18 victims, 15 of whom were hospitalized and five died. Most cases occurred in private quarters where victims unknowingly consumed rotenone-containing plants. Vomiting and metabolic acidosis occurred most commonly. Some patients exhibited impaired cardiopulmonary function. Supportive treatment addressed symptoms and included gastric lavage and/or activated charcoal to remove rotenone from the stomach, vasopressors for hypotension, mechanical ventilation for respiratory insufficiency, and sodium bicarbonate for acidosis. Some patients received N-acetylcysteine to counter oxidative stress. ConclusionsRotenone poisoning, though rare, can be fatal. Exposure prevention is impractical since rotenone is found in some plants used as food or pesticides. Cases may be under-diagnosed because symptoms are non-specific and under-reported in English-language journals since most cases occurred in non-English speaking countries. Treatments are supportive. Exploring antioxidant therapy in animal models of rotenone poisoning may be indicated considering rotenone's mechanism of toxicity.

Academic publishing requires linguistically inclusive policies.

Scientific knowledge is produced in multiple languages but is predominantly published in English. This practice creates a language barrier to generate and transfer scientific knowledge between communities with diverse linguistic backgrounds, hindering the ability of scholars and communities to address global challenges and achieve diversity and equity in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). To overcome those barriers, publishers and journals should provide a fair system that supports non-native English speakers and disseminates knowledge across the globe. We surveyed policies of 736 journals in biological sciences to assess their linguistic inclusivity, identify predictors of inclusivity, and propose actions to overcome language barriers in academic publishing. Our assessment revealed a grim landscape where most journals were making minimal efforts to overcome language barriers. The impact factor of journals was negatively associated with adopting a number of inclusive policies whereas ownership by a scientific society tended to have a positive association. Contrary to our expectations, the proportion of both open access articles and editors based in non-English speaking countries did not have a major positive association with the adoption of linguistically inclusive policies. We proposed a set of actions to overcome language barriers in academic publishing, including the renegotiation of power dynamics between publishers and editorial boards.

Publish and perish: New issues in publication ethics.

The expression "Publish or perish," first appeared in 1942. It signified the rising importance of publication as a means to obtain research funds and establish a secure academic career. The expression is still highly relevant, but increasingly problematic. Perhaps it should be revised to read "Publish and Perish". We have reached a point where researchers, especially in non-English speaking countries, are no longer able to afford to publish their research. There seems little point in undertaking research if we can no longer disseminate or, indeed, apply the wisdom gained from it.

CONTESTING LINGUISTIC IDENTITIES AND THE PERSISTENCE OF STANDARDISED PRONUNCIATION

Despite a global paradigm shift towards multilingualism and EIL (English as an International Language) in English language education, a stubborn adherence to so-called ‘standardised’ forms of foreign languages persists in non-English language speaking countries. Language teachers, learners and their parents, as much as policy makers and curriculum designers, insist on the adoption of ‘standard’ varieties of English as normative and unquestioned. These expectations are natural, given language users’ awareness of the cultural capital that these standardised forms of pronunciations can afford to them. This paper discusses how formal education, often through the hidden curriculum, reinforces the pressure to conform to standardised pronunciation and how this can negatively implicate language learners’ identities. One may question why a Vietnamese speaker would want to have a distinct ‘American’ or ‘British’ accent when they speak, and what real privileges these bring to them. One may also question why a Vietnamese accent in English, a distinct identity marker, can be deemed to represent less prestigious capital, and whether this may disadvantage them in certain contexts. In discussing the cognitive and cultural benefits of multilingual and culturally responsive instruction, the paper argues that as language educators we need to make our learners aware of their linguistic identities and how intelligible but non-standardised accents of foreign languages can and should be legitimate markers of one’s identity.