1. Misconceptions that just won’t go away
M introduces himself- then Chris introduces himself and the session title- also briefly explains that we are not here to sell/promote anything- not ‘teach’ anything- but here to talk about something is important to each of us. A ‘cause’ if you like.
Chris Holmes and Marek Kiczkowiak

2. There’s no discrimination
Misconception number 1
There’s no discrimination
Marek takes the floor- might it be nice to have participants/audience volunteer a definition of ‘discrimination’?

3. Some typical job ads example1
In here we show NS only ads. Over three slides- task is to notice what they all have in common. It’s not difficult!
Then ask for the reasons why recruiters hire NESTs.

4. Some typical job ads example 2

5. Some typical job ads example3
Point out that 2 treat NS as a qualification. So what does this mean? Well, for one, I wouldn’t be able to apply (as a CELTA, DELTA, TKT, BA, CPE qualified teacher…) I say, this is discrimination!

6. Reasons for policies that focus on the recruitment of NESTs only
NESTs meet the wants and needs of clients.
NESTs are better for public relations and improve business.
Source: Medgyes, P- When the teacher is a non-native
Show the title only:
Marek sets up the task- allows participants a couple of minutes to discuss reasons- Chris handles FB.

7. Misconception number 2
NESTs meet the wants/desires of clients (learners)

8. Ideal teacher qualities
He makes his course interesting
He teaches good pronunciation
He explains clearly
He speaks good English
He shows the same interest in all his students
He makes all the students participate
He shows great patience
He insists on the spoken language
He makes his pupils work
He uses an audio-lingual method
Chris gives task- choose 3 or 4 that you feel are most important… explain to your partner why

9. In summary Harmer says that: A teacher’s personality matters a lot.
teachers need to do everything possible to create a good rapport with their students
pays attention to the students and acts upon their hopes and aspirations
Is able to show that they know their subject
#one by one
That’s what clients want- they don’t necessarily want NSs.

10. Misconception number 3
NESTs meet the needs of clients because they offer better language models:
Never make mistakes
Know more vocabulary
Speak clearly and intelligibly
Represent a model of how learners wish to use the language
Having discussed clients’ wants, let’s talk about clients’ needs. Language learners want to improve so they seek the best possible language model. A model that: (enumerate). The misconception here is that ONLY NESTs can be such a model.

11. Misconception number 4: NESTs never make mistakes
If I’d have known, I’d have warned you.
He hasn’t done nothing wrong
Less than 8 items.
She’s different than/to her mother
My grammar is very terrible
These are some of the typical NS mistakes I’ve overheard over the years. TASK (1min – so be quick! All NS feel free to consult the NNESTs): a) what is the mistake? B) have you made any of the mistakes? FEEDBACK: food for thought – why do we accept these as an integral part of the NEST lg, whereas we look down on any mistakes a NNEST makes?

12. Misconception number 5: NESTs know more vocabulary
What do you think these words mean?
Compelled
Peruse
Conversate
What do these words really mean?
Compelled = be forced to do something
Peruse = read attentively
Conversate = doesn’t exist!
Show the 1st question and then the words. TASK: chat to your partner (1min) – don’t use dictionaries! FEEDBACK: elicit some answers before showing what each word means one by one. CONCLUSION: why is it ok for a NEST not to know a word, but when a NNEST doesn’t we say: aha! He/she’s a NNEST! That’s teh reason!

13. Misconception number 6: NESTs speak clearly and intelligibly
HIGHLIGHT: the accents were not chosen to poke fun at anybody, or because I believe there are better or worse accents. They’re only to show that some accents can be quite unintelligible at best. Marek offers the audience the choice of accent they’d like to test themselves on. Show of hands. Give a TASK: 1. Why the picture of a shark? Etc. CONCLUSION: we’re not going to listen to the other two. I’m going to save you the embarassment.

14. NESTs represent a model of how learners wish to use the language
Misconception number 7
NESTs represent a model of how learners wish to use the language
Remember ideal teacher qualities 2 and 4?
Is it an attainable or a useful goal?
99% of sts want to be communicative.
Can’t a NNESt be such a model?
Quality 2: clear pronunciation, quality 4: good English; so what should we bear in mind: NS lg is not perfect! And anyway, is it fair to demand from a student to speak like a NS? How many have you met who have achieved this goal? Have you ever met any who ‘acquired their T’s accent? Most communication in English goes on between non-natives, so how useful is it to try an immitate NS rapid speech? And in the end, wouldn’t a highly proficient NEST be an equally good or even a better model?

15. Misconception number 8: NESTs are better for PR and improving business
Based on false assumptions:
That it meets customers needs and wants
That customers are informed consumers
That customers are not receptive to ‘educating’
#one by one

16. An alternative hiring model
Hire the best teachers (based on qualifications, experience, language proficiency and qualities)
Educate the consumers
#one by one

17. Misconception number 9: Nothing can be done
NS: ‘I’m a NEST so this doesn’t concern me’
Language school: ‘I don’t want to lose my students’
NNEST: ‘It’s all their fault’

18. ‘I’m a NS so this doesn’t concern me’
Inaction is the worst form of action
Discuss with students
Workshop topic
Support NNESTs
Advocate equal opportunities

19. ‘I don’t want to lose my clients’
‘The market demand’ doesn’t exist
Educate your clients
Value qualifications, experience and proficiency in a language
Treat staff equally
Avoid using ‘native speaker’ in ads
Be at the forefront of change

20. ‘It’s all their fault’ Stop blaming others – blame yourself
Be confident and determined
Join a FB support group (Budapest NNEST, Equity Advocates )
Write about it and get it published
Anti-discrimination organisations (e.g. in the Netherlands)
Quote EU law
That’s right. I’m the victim. And now I’ll just sit and do nothing and get compensation! If you haven’t done anything to change it, you have no right to complain.Have some personal dignity, for goodness sake!

21. Quote EU law
European Commission Communication from (COM (2002) 694 final) states that “advertisements requiring a particular language as a ‘mother tongue’ are not acceptable.”
On 23 May 2003, in answer to a question from German MEP Jo Leinen’, the European Commission stated: “the term native speaker is not acceptable, under any circumstance, under community law.”
There have been legal precedents in the Netherlands and the UK

22. Join the movement FB support groups Budapest nNEST
TESOL Equity Advocates
Help us in our research:
Questionnaire for recruiters:
Questionnaire for students:

23. Goodbye and thanks for listening
Contact and link details:
Marek Kiczkowiak:
Blog:
Chris Holmes:
Find us on the Budapest nNEST