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Multicultural Learning and Teaching

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Self-identified Linguistic Microaggressions among Monolingual Pre-service Teachers: Why They Matter for English Language Learners

Jenna Shim
Published Online: 2017-07-07 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.1515/mlt-2016-0017

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Abstract

Using the concept of racial microaggressions as an analytical tool, this study reports on white monolingual pre-service teachers’ self-identified linguistic microaggressions by exploring their attitudinal and affective responses to those who speak languages other than English. The assumption is that teachers’ pedagogical practices and their relationship with students are not contained within classrooms but are rather intertwined with their lives outside the classroom and their thinking in everyday context. The themes identified by analyzing the self-identified linguistic microaggressions of the participating pre-service teachers are (1) Self-consciousness/discomfort, worry, fear, anxiety, and frustration; (2) Judgments: (un)intelligence, (dis)likability, and (un)trustworthiness; (3) (In)appropriateness and English dominance; and (4) Stereotypes. This study also reports the findings pertaining to the participants’ reflections on the factors that contribute to difficulties they face when attempting to engage in self-identifying linguistic microaggressions. The common challenges among these monolingual pre-service teachers are: (1) Identification and commitment are not enough; (2) Am I a bad person? and (3) Unconscious dispositions. The significance of this study stems from its exploration of the white pre-service teachers’ self-identification of microaggressions as opposed to those identified by the victims of microaggressions. By using the concept of microaggressions as the main analytical tool, the study reveals that the dominant members who are microaggressive toward language subordinate group members must understand, recognize, and acknowledge their microaggressions if they are to more productively support English language learners (ELLs) succeed socially and academically. The study offers implications for educators working with ELLs as well as for the field of teacher education.

Keywords: English language learners; linguistic microaggressions; racist microaggressions; racist nativist microaggressions; teacher reflection

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About the article

Published Online: 2017-07-07

Citation Information: Multicultural Learning and Teaching, Volume 12, Issue 2, 20160017, ISSN (Online) 2161-2412, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1515/mlt-2016-0017.

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