Abstract

MARINO, Claudia. Reflecting on the dichotomy native-non native speakers in an EFL context. anagramas rumbos sentidos comun. [online]. 2011, vol.10, n.19, pp.129-141. ISSN 1692-2522.

This article provides a discussion based on constructs about the dichotomy between native and non-native speakers. Several models and examples are displayed about the spreading of the English language with the intention of understanding its development in the whole world and in Colombia, specifically. Then, some possible definitions are given to the term ''native speaker'' and its conceptualization is described as both reality and myth. One of the main reasons for writing this article is grounded on the promotion of the concept of what is native as something based on scientific facts, transcending the analysis from the common sense (Han, 2004). Topics such as language commands and its teaching are tackled in terms of strengths and weaknesses of a native-speaking teacher who teaches his/her mother tongue in a foreign country. Finally, students' points of view are described about the native and non-native teachers. At the end, the article makes emphasis on the need for understanding the dichotomy between native speakers and non-native speakers in order to improve the English language teaching in Colombia.

Keywords : Native speaker; non-native speaker; English languages; English as a foreign language; foreign language.

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