Whiteness as currency : Exploring racial ideologies in Pakistan's English language teaching sphere

Abstract

Addressing the problem of racial ideologies in Pakistan's English Language Teaching (ELT) sphere, this study examines the practices within the Society of Pakistani English Language Teachers (SPELT) and the Linguistic Association of Pakistan (LAP). It argues that English's elevated status, a remnant of colonial legacies, marginalizes local languages, perpetuating racial disparities. Methodologically, the study employs qualitative analysis of interviews with SPELT and LAP members, drawing theoretical framework of Alim (2016) and Flores and Rosa (2015). The findings reveal a deep-rooted preference for English, symbolizing 'whiteness' and sophistication, thereby sustaining racial hierarchies in ELT. This research highlights the urgency of decolonizing educational practices, advocating for inclusive and diverse language teaching that dissociates language proficiency from racial constructs. The study's significance lies in its contribution to the broader discourse on education reform, highlighting the necessity of policy changes that embrace linguistic and cultural equity.