In the latest episode of The Teacher Think-Aloud Podcast, hosts Shélynn Riel and Anna Ciriani-Dean discuss the issue of native-speakerism within the English Language Teaching (ELT) industry alongside guest Meri Maroutian, who brands herself as The Non-Native Speaker. Together, they unpack the systemic bias that prioritizes "native" English speakers over qualified teachers from other backgrounds. They explore how this bias manifests in hiring practices, course materials, pronunciation models, and overall perceptions of "good" English. Meri shares her personal journey and insights as a non-native English speaker who entered the profession and later pursued extensive qualifications, highlighting the systemic issues that marginalize skilled educators.
Episode 66 addresses the historical roots of this bias, tracing it back to colonialism and imperialism, and examines its ongoing impact on both professionals and learners. Meri emphasizes that being a native speaker is not a qualification and advocates for prioritizing credentials, pedagogical knowledge, and the effort teachers invest in their development. Listener contributions further illustrate the real-life experiences of teachers facing discrimination due to their linguistic backgrounds.
“[T]eaching English is an occupation. It's a job just like anything else, just like you wouldn't say you're a yoga instructor just because you've taken some yoga lessons or you're a pilot because you've flown in a plane a couple of times. I wish for people to see it as a serious job.” – Meri Maroutian, The Non-Native Speaker
Ultimately, Meri calls for a shift in mindset within the ELT field, urging those in hiring positions, teacher training, and classroom teaching to challenge their biases and promote equity. Meri advocates for a future where teaching English is seen as a serious profession requiring qualifications and dedication rather than a skill inherently possessed by those born in certain countries.
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