A Critical Analysis on Thai University Students’ Reflections towards Politics of the English Language

Abstract

English language is a gatekeeper to positions of prestige in society (Pennycook 1994,1995), especially due to its dominant status as a world language or as a Lingua Franca. Many take English language as apolitical, particularly in educational systems worldwide, including Thai's. From a different view, however, there could be many hidden agendas behind the language itself as English language is not only simple skills, but a more complicated process with socio-cultural and political-economic implications (Yi Lin 2013). So, it is skeptical to ignore the fact that English language somehow produces or intensifies an inequality within each community. In fact, English language has been termed a form of Linguistic Imperialism. Thus, this study aimed to critically analyze the reflections of Thai university students towards Politics of the English language in the Thai educational system. The data was collected from the reflections of 15 Thai university students attending a 15 hour-course of Critical Awareness and Language Development adapted from OSDE (Open Spaces for Dialogue and Enquiry) developed by Andreotti (2007). Critical Pedagogy was used as a lens in the analysis of the reflections. The course raised the students' awareness of the underlying ideologies of English language curriculum in addition to giving them the opportunity to develop their English language skills.

Save as a Favourite

Author Information
Suthathip Khamratana, Khon Kaen University, Thailand
Suban Keowkanya, Khon Kaen University, Thailand

• Category: ACEID2017, Oral Presentation
• Tag: Education and post-colonialism,

Posted by James Alexander Gordon

All Posts