Compliments on language proficiency can reinforce racial identity and social exclusion
In short: A qualitative study of racialized graduate students and faculty at a Canadian university found that receiving praise for English or French proficiency often reinforced a sense of 'otherness.' Researchers observed that while non-native speakers faced painful scrutiny of their language skills, some East Asian participants felt that using 'White English' helped them distance themselves from the racial stigma associated with immigrant identities.
By analyzing individual and focus group interviews through the lens of critical race theory, the researchers identified how linguistic expectations pressure people to conform to white norms. However, the study's findings are based on the personal narratives of a specific group at one university, meaning they may not represent all racialized experiences.
Why it matters: Language-based praise can unintentionally reinforce racial boundaries and social exclusion.
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Sources
- Source: Research: Kubota et al. (2021). “Your English is so good”: Linguistic experiences of racialized students and instructors of a Canadian university. Ethnicities. · cc-by-nc
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