In my research in schools and universities, I regularly come across students, teachers, administrators, and professors who feel comfortable talking about “proper’ or ‘broken” English and who believe that some Englishes are better suited to certain tasks such as teaching and learning. In our politically correct world, linguistic discrimination continues to be socially accepted in ways that other forms of discrimination are not.
This morning, I read this article about a Montreal teacher who speaks Lac-Saint-Jean French. The teacher’s contract with her Montreal school was not renewed and she was told by her school principal that certain parents, as well as the principal herself, weren’t comfortable with her accent. The principal went on to say that this teacher “didn’t speak like people here” and that this teacher should be in a rural setting.
Efforts to limit linguistic heterogeneity should not be confused with upholding educational standards. If a school administrator feels justified in this type of discriminatory practice towards an adult with agency, how does a school under this administrator’s guidance respond to the linguistic diversity of its students?
Multilingual Matters, my book publishers, contacted me last week to let me know that my book is now officially in production. I’m told they’re expecting it to be finished in October. Here’s the Advanced Information page that provides the promotional information. I’m also supposed to let people know that the book will be available to order at 20% discount from the Multilingual Matters website approximately three months before publication. This is likely the easiest way of ordering.
This blog feels like a ghost town. I think part of this might be because it’s just so much easier to tweet news or to retweet someone else’s news. You can find me there under @andreasterzuk. So far, I mainly lurk but who knows, I may tweet something deep at some moment.
For more details on registration, accommodation and program details visit the conference website www.skconference2011.ca
On February 11, I gave a keynote presentation to directors of Canada’s Explore program. Their annual meeting was held in Regina, the city where I live. Explore is a Canadian educational program which allows young adults to improve their language skills in either French or English, Canada’s official languages, through a five-week immersion program. This program began 40 years ago, just a couple years after Canada introduced its Official Languages Act. The meeting’s theme this year was “40th anniversary of the Explore Program : 40 years of excellence in making bilingualism a reality. / 40e anniversaire du programme Explore: 40 ans d’excellence dans la promotion du bilinguisme.” The Council of Ministers of Education, (CMEC), who were the conference organizers, asked that I address the impact of factors like linguistic and cultural diversity on official-language learning in Canada. Some of those in attendance at my talk asked that I make the presentation available so I’m posting my Powerpoint and speaking notes here: Talking Notes_Sterzuk_ Explore Keynote_Sterzuk_Explore
It’s maybe because I’ve spent too much time in language classes and immersion programs but this film looks wildly funny to me.
SK TEAL is a professional Saskatchewan Teachers Federation Special Subject Council comprised of K-12 Teachers of English as an Additional Language. TESL SK is a professional non-profit organization that includes Teachers of English as a Subsequent Language for both children and adult learners. Both organizations jointly hold an annual conference; this year’s will be at the University of Regina on May 13 and 14.
The conference welcomes proposals for presentations, workshops, panel discussions and poster presentations. For more details on registration, accommodation and program details visit the conference website www.skconference2011.ca
Almost a year ago, I made the move to Apple when I purchased my Macbook Pro. A couple weeks ago, I bought my iPhone 4. I love it!
I’ve exiled myself to my kitchen table in hopes of having a productive summer of writing. Saskatchewan is experiencing twice the normal rainfall for the spring/summer season (which is seriously bad news for farmers.) The only positive point I can see to all this rain is that it makes easier to be inside and to focus on writing.
