Why the term native speaker is problematic for linguistic research
In short: Researchers arguing for more inclusive psycholinguistics found that the common label 'native speaker' is often inconsistently defined and scientifically vague. The authors suggest that using this term can lead to flawed research designs and the systematic exclusion of marginalized populations by relying on binary categories rather than specific language experiences.
The paper argues that the term conflates social identity with acquisition factors like age and context. By moving away from this label and instead explicitly stating specific axes—such as order of acquisition or linguistic comfort—researchers can improve study replicability and create a more just field.
This is a theoretical critique rather than an empirical study of a specific population.
Why it matters: Replacing vague linguistic labels with specific acquisition details can improve both scientific rigor and social inclusivity.
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