Language and Power in the ESL Classroom

Author

Bonnie Jo Bustrum, Grand Valley State University

Date Approved

Spring 2001

Graduate Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Education (M.Ed.)

Degree Program

College of Education

Abstract

Because of limited English proficiency and sociocultural knowledge, adult ESL students may be disadvantaged in determining, evaluating, and responding to American cultural demonstrations of power and authority through speech choices and nonverbal cues. As a first step toward a pedagogy that addresses this sociolinguistic need, this ethnography investigates aspects of power and language in the teacher-student relationship in the home countries of twenty-two adult ESL students. Student responses are analyzed and compared, and a pedagogical framework is proposed which may foster ESL students’ linguistic and social development toward greater access to information and a more informed process of enculturation into American society.

Comments

Questions or concerns regarding the copyright status of this item may be directed to scholarworks@gvsu.edu.

ScholarWorks Citation

Bustrum, Bonnie Jo, "Language and Power in the ESL Classroom" (2001). Masters Theses. 602.
https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/theses/602