The Eighth International Literacy & Education Research Network Conference on

SPETSES, GREECE
4-8 July 2001

Abstract

The spread of English as a 'global' language can be analyzed and critiqued as an integral part of colonization and capitalism. The initial conditions that produced the global spread of English have also produced many ways of thinking and behaving that are colonial and post-colonial in nature. It is not the English language itself but rather the speakers with a superior western lens that has displaced people from their land, culture, language and history. Issues of home language, home culture, and social justice have been disregarded as the colonizer's language has been imposed with the accompanying constructions of 'otherness'.

Bionote

Dr. Lourdes Diaz Soto is Full Professor of Education at The Pennsylvania State University. She has authored numerous articles and book chapters. Her books include: "Language, Culture, and Power: Bilingual Families and the Struggle for Quality Education" (S.U.N.Y. Press); "The Politics of Early Childhood Education" (Peter Lang Publishers); with "Making a Difference in the Lives of Bilingual/Bicultural Children" (Peter Lang Publishers) forthcoming.

Presentation Type
30 min. Paper

Presentation Equipment and Other Requests
Equip Requests: overhead

Speaking Date/Time Restrictions

Country
USA