Semester Award Granted

Spring 2025

Submission Date

May 2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Justin White

Abstract

This dissertation examines the effects of linguicism on nonnative speakers of English who are currently studying in higher education in the United States or other English-dominant countries. Linguicism, also called linguistic discrimination, others and discriminates against people based on their oral or written language use. Rooted in master narratives of Standard English, monolingualism, and the native speaker, linguicism, unlike other forms of discrimination, such as gender or racial discrimination, is subtle and unmarked, thus permeating the consciousness of even the most well-intentioned of people.

Using a Critical Race Theory framework, the present study utilized a storytelling methodology to gather first-hand accounts of linguicism. Participants were recruited via convenience sampling and snowball sampling. In total, data from 44 participants were collected via e-questionnaire. The e-questionnaire gathered demographic information and stories about perceived language discrimination.

The findings showed that 91% of participants had had negative experiences due to their English language use either at work, at college, or out in public in their everyday lives. Participants described microaggressions, ethnic accent bullying, and communication failures for which participants blamed themselves. Participants described lack of confidence, sadness, frustration, and embarrassment when having interactions with native speakers or nonnative speakers of a higher proficiency level. Such negative feelings led participants to self-imposed isolation, reticence, and avoidance of interaction and conflict. This study gives voice to those who have experienced negative interactions based on their language use. The goal of this research is for the stories of linguicism to bring awareness to the damage that linguicism causes and to help bring about social change.

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