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Title
Non native English Speaking Teachers’ Quandary
Presenter
Omar Al-Noursi
Institute of Applied Technology
UAE
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Abstract:
One of the most recent trends in the English language teaching (ELT) is the debate that lies on whether learners’ performance depends on the fact that their teachers are native (NESTs) or non native (NESTs). This paper aims at discussing the possible advantages that NNESTs may bring to their classrooms.
Summary:
There is one school of thought that believes native speakers of English naturally are the best teachers of the language. They have a better understanding of the language itself, especially idiomatic expressions and cultural nuances. They don’t have “accents” and demonstrate natural pronunciation to their students. Also they force their students to strive harder to understand lessons, as the teacher is unable to communicate in the students’ native language.
On the other hand, the second school of thought believes that non-native speakers of English often have a stronger understanding of English grammar “Linguistically educated” as Astor (2000) termed it, than native speakers and can anticipate grammatical confusion that their students may experience. They also are able to empathize with their students more easily, as they have at one point been learners of English. Additionally, if they speak the same language as their students, non-native English teachers can sometimes quickly explain a point that might have taken a native English speaking teacher a longer time to explain words passably to their students. They can also be role model for their learners to imitate as they are living examples of successful English language learners, (Cook, 1999; Thomas, 1999)
The presenters will present what research findings tell us about the debate in the question and the implications of these findings for the ELT, with reference to UAE context. This paper will also reveal the professional contributions and effectiveness of qualified nonnative speakers of English in English language teaching.
Key Words:- native (NESTs,) non native (NESTs), native speakers of English naturally are the best teachers of the language,
Bio-data:
Omar is currently working as a lead teacher at IAT, UAE, and is seeking his PhD in TEFL. He has been working as an EFL teacher in UAE for more than ten years. Among his interests are CALL, teacher education and research.
contact asian_efl_journal@yahoo.com
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