The native/nonnative conundrum revisited

Abstract

Abstract. In my book, ‘The non-native teacher’ (1994), I argued that nonnative-speaking teachers of English were unable to emulate native speakers in terms of their English-language competence. At the same time I also claimed that nonnatives were in possession of certain attributes that may well offset their linguistic handicap. To prove my point I put forward two sets of hypotheses. Since my publication a lot has happened concerning the native/nonnative dilemma and English language teaching in general. With a new paradigm looming large, I propose a 9-point action plan for deliberation.