VAN MAI (SET EDUCATION)

CHALLENGING THE DICHOTOMY: A LOOK AT A NATIVE-SPEAKING TEACHER'S PROFESSIONAL IDENTITY IN VIETNAMESE ELT : GLOBAL ISSUES IN LANGUAGE EDUCATION

The global dominance of English has fostered a widespread belief that native speakers possess superior language ability and teaching skills compared to non-native speakers, creating a privileged position for them in ELT. Existing research has explored how non-native English-speaking teachers (NNESTs) develop their professional identities (PIs) and the impact of NS/NNS on their careers. However, research on the PIs of native English-speaking teachers (NESTs), especially in Vietnam, remains limited. This study aims to address this gap by examining how NESTs in Vietnam negotiate their PIs within the NS/NNS divide. Employing a narrative approach, the study explores the experiences of a NEST currently working in Vietnam. Data collection utilizes in-depth life history interviews, analyzed thematically. The findings highlight the NESTs' perspectives on the influence of the NS/NNS divide on their careers, and their perceptions of effective teachers, including non-native colleagues, informing efforts to create a more equitable landscape in ELT.

Mai Van - MA in TESOL Research Interests: Teacher identity; Linguistic Imperialism and ELF