Coverage  

of  

IATEFL Birmingham 2016 Conference 

Day (3) 

Silvana Richardson's Plenary: 

The ‘Native Factor’, the Haves and the Have-Nots

Silvana targeted a crucial issue in the ESL/EFL world in her plenary. I believe that this issue has never dared to be targeted before. That is why the plenary is highly appreciated ,especially that it is based upon actual facts taking place in our quotidian life.The audience applause shows how much this issue touched many ESL/EFL instructors and lecturers and myabe other language professionals. 

Silvana aimed at revealing the nature of the struggle of ‘non-native’ teachers to find their status in the ESL/EFL world after spending many years of their lives conducting many studies and practicum.For many employers and learners ,the ideal teachers are the ‘native speakers’ regardless of their credentials and qualifications.On the other hand, there are many ‘non-native’ speakers who are highly qualified and professional , but could not seize a genuine job opportunities to reveal their potentials and professionalism.The sole reason attributed to this inclination is that they are not ‘native speakers of English’.

 Silvana conducted practical research studies through different media and real ESL/EFL exemplars in our actual life demonstrating her hypothetical issue.Her issue with its research and results proved the state of inequality and social injustice in the ELT world.She examined the logic of the market that justifies its discriminatory practices when hiring ESL/EFL teachers / instructors and lecturers.She frustratingly demonstrates the dominance of the native-speakers of English in the ESL/EFL world while diminishing the role that ‘non-native speakers’ can play in this world as well.

 Finally, Silvana explained how the ESL/EFL ‘non-native speaker’ teachers/instructors may involuntarily contribute to this inclination, as they are unconfident about their professional capabilities and feel shy about disclosing their identities,These attitudes have to be ceased for the sake pf finding their vital role in the ESL/EFL world.