Why is it problematic to contrast “native speakers” with “non-native speakers”? READ MORE:* Language Matters: Why focus on 'native' speakers may be misplaced* Language Matters: No shortage of Kiwis steeped in words* Language Matters: The sound of textsFurthermore, the distinction between “native speaker” and “non-native speaker” is often used for gatekeeping purposes, whereby the former is automatically preferred over the latter due to the above assumption. As they explain, history records the contrasting ideas of “native speaker” v “non-native speaker” as first appearing in 1858 in New York as part of a campaign against immigrants to the United States. Today, the act of contrasting “native speakers” with “non-native speakers” has continued to be supported by language purists, tying nation and race to language. Language Matters is a fortnightly column on all things language.

Source: Stuff August 08, 2021 16:52 UTC