‘Taming Wild Tongues’: English-Only Approaches to Language Education and the Impact on Latinos

Avila, Becky Marie (2016) ‘Taming Wild Tongues’: English-Only Approaches to Language Education and the Impact on Latinos. Doctoral thesis, University of East Anglia.

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Abstract

Abstract
This thesis takes a critical look at the broader ideologies ensconced in English-Only approaches
to English-language education and considers their impacts on Latino students, families,
communities, and identities. Consistent with the objectives and methodologies found within
Chicano Studies, this thesis is concerned primarily with eliminating racial hierarchies by
decentralizing hegemonic practices that emphasize English monolingualism as a key signifier
of American identity and as a primary goal of the U.S.’s educational system. In short, the thesis
argues that English-Only methods of language instruction work to keep the boundaries of
American identity protected, albeit narrowed, within a white and middle-class framework; and
characterizes Latinos as a group whose culture and language lacks legitimacy within the United
States. This has significant impacts not only on their education, but on their family life and
representations within popular culture. To better understand the complicated nexus of race,
ethnicity and class in which the debate over language education is situated, the thesis draws on
recent developments in Language Studies and Critical Pedagogy to outline the relationship
between social identity, language, power and education.
This thesis is also an attempt to broaden the Chicano Studies tradition by emphasizing
epistemology over subject matter. Widening the scope of Chicano Studies beyond a unique
Chicano experience moves the tradition forward allowing researchers to effectively adopt a
Chicano Studies framework for discussing other Latino ethnicities (Puerto Rican, Cuban, etc)
and other minority language communities.

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Arts and Humanities > School of American Studies (former - to 2014)
Depositing User:	Users 7376 not found.
Date Deposited:	28 Jun 2016 13:51
Last Modified:	28 Jun 2016 13:51
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/59613
DOI:

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