A1 Journal article (refereed)
Whiteness as currency : Exploring racial ideologies in Pakistan's English language teaching sphere (2024)

Ali, R., & Salam-Salmaoui, R. (2024). Whiteness as currency : Exploring racial ideologies in Pakistan's English language teaching sphere. International Journal of Educational Research, 128, Article 102483. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijer.2024.102483

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Ali, Rukhsana; Salam-Salmaoui, Rauha

Journal or series: International Journal of Educational Research

ISSN: 0883-0355

eISSN: 1873-538X

Publication year: 2024

Publication date: 12/11/2024

Volume: 128

Article number: 102483

Publisher: Elsevier

Publication country: United Kingdom

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijer.2024.102483

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Partially open access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/98316

Abstract

Addressing the problem of racial ideologies in Pakistan's English Language Teaching (ELT) sphere, this study examines the practices within the Society of Pakistani English Language Teachers (SPELT) and the Linguistic Association of Pakistan (LAP). It argues that English's elevated status, a remnant of colonial legacies, marginalizes local languages, perpetuating racial disparities. Methodologically, the study employs qualitative analysis of interviews with SPELT and LAP members, drawing theoretical framework of Alim (2016) and Flores and Rosa (2015). The findings reveal a deep-rooted preference for English, symbolizing 'whiteness' and sophistication, thereby sustaining racial hierarchies in ELT. This research highlights the urgency of decolonizing educational practices, advocating for inclusive and diverse language teaching that dissociates language proficiency from racial constructs. The study's significance lies in its contribution to the broader discourse on education reform, highlighting the necessity of policy changes that embrace linguistic and cultural equity.

Keywords: language teaching; English language; foreign languages; language education; Pakistanis; renewal; ideologies; colonialism; racial policy; neoliberalism

Free keywords: English Language Teaching (ELT); racial ideologies; linguistic marginalization; decolonizing education; Pakistan

Contributing organizations

Ministry reporting: Yes

VIRTA submission year: 2024

Preliminary JUFO rating: 2