Elizabeth J . Erling | Karl-Franzens-University of Graz (original) (raw)

Papers by Elizabeth J . Erling

Multilingua , 2018

Migration has become a vital element of the Bangladeshi economy, which has led to an increasing f... more Migration has become a vital element of the Bangladeshi economy, which has led to an increasing focus on providing Bangladeshis with the skills needed on the international labour market. English is often cited as one of these skills, and previous research has shown that a primary reason why Bangladeshis wish to learn English is due to its perceived value for pursuing work abroad (Erling et al. 2012). The extent to which English is of value in economic migration, however, has been underexplored in research (Coleman 2010). Drawing on data from a qualitative study which provides new insights into the experiences and perceptions of a cohort of returnee migrants, this article investigates the perceived value of (English) language skills for migration. The study finds that economic migrants see the advantages of having particular skills, especially English, for economic gain. However, applying a capabilities lens to their narratives (Sen, 1999) reveals the difficulties of classifying their experiences in terms of "success" given the deeply embedded structural issues and challenges the participants report facing. This article therefore questions assumptions that language skills can be transformational when social inequality is (re)produced in the context of migration. [192 words/200 limit]

Current Issues in Language Planning, 2017

The increased status of English as the language of international communication and business has m... more The increased status of English as the language of international communication and business has meant that development aid has increasingly been used to finance language planning initiatives aimed at improving and/or expanding English language education. The intended outcome of this aid is often to provide expanded economic returns and opportunities for those who learn the language. But is it really the case that they receive these benefits? In this paper I attempt to form a deeper understanding of the relationship between English language skills and economic value by providing a meta-analysis and critical evaluation of eleven research studies. By critically evaluating this research using Sen's capabilities approach (1999), I find that while English language skills might enhance opportunities for individuals, they also appear to reinforcing embedded inequalities and therefore not necessarily contributing to the wellbeing of societies. English language education may have limited impact without sufficient political and economic stability. Moreover, there are ongoing and significant needs to develop literacy and numeracy in local and national languages. Equipped with this more nuanced understanding of the value of English, I argue that development aid and language planning initiatives can make more significant contributions to holistic development and social justice.

Perspectives on Language and Globalization: An Autoethnographic Approach, 2017

Comparative Education, 2016

This paper reports on a rigorous literature review of research into medium of instruction in Ghan... more This paper reports on a rigorous literature review of research into
medium of instruction in Ghana and India, whose language-ineducation
policies represent two contrasting models of use of local
languages and the development of competence in English. The paper
begins by briefly overviewing the language-in-education policy in
these two countries and sets out the methodological approach
underpinning this review. It then turns to the initial findings, which
are discussed in two parts: the first categorises the three areas of
research explored in the empirical studies reviewed, namely the
effectiveness of language-in-education policies, problems hindering
the implementation of these policies, and attitudes to these policies.
The second provides an overview of the recommendations for how,
given the obstacles in implementing the current policies, to better
ensure the effectiveness of language-in-education policies in Ghana
and India. Together these findings show that similar issues arise that
contribute to challenges of providing equitable, quality education,
and similar recommendations have been put forward as a result. This
paper thus provides a valuable overview of key issues in the role of
language-in-education policies in improving equity and quality in
education in LMICs.

Education Development Trust, 2017

This report is the product of a research collaboration between Education Development Trust, the B... more This report is the product of a research collaboration between Education Development Trust, the British Council and The Open University.

Its starting point was to consider the complex field of English Medium Instruction (EMI) policies in low and middle income countries (LMICs). Its purpose is to provide insight and support to those responsible for setting policy or enacting it in complex language environments around the world.

The work recognises the importance given to English language by governments in the future development of intellectual and economic capital, and to accessing opportunity in an increasingly global world. It also recognises and respects the strong argument calling for education and learning to be conducted in a language spoken by learners and teachers. Navigating these two influences can appear impossible at times as they can be unhelpfully positioned as opposites. This research study set out to do two things:

• Look at the global literature and draw on the lessons from existing research.

• Focus on illustrating the operational enactment and levels of understanding of EMI polices in schools in two primary school contexts – Ghana and Bihar, India. These very different contexts provide valuable lessons that will help policy makers, educators, teacher trainers and schools to navigate the complexities of multilingual EMI environments.

World Englishes, 2016

This paper examines how the English language is perceived within modern-day Bangladesh, how it is... more This paper examines how the English language is perceived within modern-day Bangladesh, how it is being promoted by language planning initiatives, and how the impact of linguistic issues on cultural and social politics is viewed and evaluated at a grassroots level. Drawing on research analysing perceptions of English in rural Bangladesh, the paper explores the ideological and practical issues involved in the promotion of English in this context, with respect to the language's former and current associations with colonial and imperialist agendas, and the politico-cultural situation of present-day Bangladeshi society. The analysis-which is underpinned by a blending of world Englishes and postcolonial theory-reveals how dominant discourses of English as a language of global opportunity persist in these rural communities, despite the limited opportunities for using the language or developing proficiency in it. By representing these 'subaltern' views on English in what is an under-researched context, the paper offers critical insights into the impact of English-language education on rural Bangladeshis' social prospects, communities and cultural identities.

Journal of English as a Lingua Franca, 2017

This article investigates the language skills and the nature of language provision required by ec... more This article investigates the language skills and the nature of language provision required by economic migrants from Bangladesh working in the Middle East. It focuses in particular on the perceived values of the host country language (Arabic) versus English as a language franca (ELF). While there have been a number of explorations of the value of learning the host country language for migrants in terms of both labour market outcomes and wellbeing, there is a paucity of, and pressing need for, studies investigating the value of ELF for economic migrants, particularly those from developing country contexts. This article presents the findings from an ethnographic study which explores the experiences, perceptions and specific language-related issues of a diverse cohort of returnee migrants from rural Bangladesh where, despite significant migration from the area, little is known about this population's language use and communicative needs. Our findings suggest that both the host country language (Arabic) and ELF have important functional values, but that these vary depending on interlocutors, domains of work and contexts of situation. The analysis thus provides fresh and significant evidence regarding the role of language in economic migration and development for low-skilled migrants, both to and from contexts in which English has no official status. The article concludes by considering the implications for the types of language education which might be most suitable for these and other economic migrants in comparable contexts.

In R. Kirkpatrick (Ed.), English Education Policy in Asia and the Middle East. Dordrecht: Springer, 25-48. , 2016

Coleman, H. (Ed.) Dreams and Realities: Developing Countries and the English Language. London: British Council, 248-267., 2011

English and Development: Policy, Pedagogy and Globalization, 2013

A recent consequence of the positioning of English as the pre-eminent language of international c... more A recent consequence of the positioning of English as the pre-eminent language of international communication has been a trend for language education policies in developmental contexts to promote English as a vital element in the skill-set necessary for successful participation in twenty-first century society. This trend has resulted in an emergent discourse of ‘English as a language for international development’, which is evident both in the objectives of and rationales for large-scale development programmes such as ‘English in Action’ (Bangladesh) and ‘Project English’ (India and Sri Lanka), and in the rhetoric of the official language policies which direct these projects (Seargeant and Erling, forthcoming). Taking this discourse as its context of investigation, the presentation considers the extent to which the assumptions about English that are articulated in such ‘official’ language policies (i.e. those produced by governmental organisations, funding bodies, and academic insti...

Preece, S. (Ed.), Routledge Handbook of Language and Identity. London: Routledge, 257-271., 2016

P. Seargeant (Ed). English in Japan in the Era of Globalization. Basingstoke: Palgrave, 80-100., 2011

Breckenridge, Y. and E.J. Erling (2011) ‘The native speaker English teacher and the politics of g... more Breckenridge, Y. and E.J. Erling (2011) ‘The native speaker English teacher and the politics of globalization in Japan.’ In P. Seargeant (Ed). English in Japan in the Era of Globalization. Basingstoke: Palgrave, 80-100.

World Englishes, 2007

This paper examines a specific group of English users in Germany: students studying English at th... more This paper examines a specific group of English users in Germany: students studying English at the Freie Universität Berlin. The first section outlines the various domains in which these students encounter English in their daily lives, both within and outside university, as they make and maintain intercultural connections. This analysis suggests that, at least among these university students, English-German bilingualism seems to be the norm. The second section of this paper shows how students' proficiency in English plays a role in their creation, or re-creation, of local, national, European and global identities. What is more, in this small community of students, it seems that the ability to use English is intricately tied in with the (re)definition of what it means to be German, or at least an educated, urban German. Although they constitute a small community, these students' uses of and attitudes towards English highlight some general trends of globalization and provide some insights into the evolving role of English in Europe.

The Globalisation of English and the English Language Classroom, 2005

... Who is the global English speaker? A profile of students of English at the Freie Universität ... more ... Who is the global English speaker? A profile of students of English at the Freie Universität Berlin. Erling, Elizabeth (2005). Who is the global English speaker? A profile of students of English at the Freie Universität Berlin. In: Gnutzmann, Claus and Intemann, Frauke eds. ...

English Today, 2005

The many names of English Journal Article How to cite: Erling, Elizabeth (2005). The many names o... more The many names of English Journal Article How to cite: Erling, Elizabeth (2005). The many names of English. English Today, 21(1), pp. 40-44. For guidance on citations see FAQs. c [not recorded] Version: [not recorded] Link(s) to article on publisher's website: http://dx.doi.org/