Language stigmatization is an issue that presents itself in all walks of life, especially in international schools where many cultures and backgrounds congregate. Language stigmatization is when people are treated differently or unfairly judged because of their abilities in a specific language. ISB has over 60 nationalities represented in its community, so it is essential to ensure everyone in the ISB community feels comfortable. However, stigmatization can become an issue with students whose native language is not the primary language spoken at school.
“There is a surprising amount of judgment that goes on because some people can't speak the majority language,” says Vivaan Parikh, a 10th grader at the American School of Bombay in India. Vivaan went to a public elementary and middle school in the USA when he was still learning English. “You would be surprised, how much judgment surrounds language, [In the USA] I would be dismissed just because I made grammar mistakes.” Throughout the years Vivaan learned in the public school system, his English became more developed. However, he says “They would still dismiss me because of my accent. It did not matter that I was good at English at that point.”
Vivaan then moved back to India and attended an Indian public school and now an Indian international school. “It was odd, we were being taught in English, [however] all of the speakings between friends were in Hindi or another language other than English.” As Vivaan became more familiar with the school it was clear that friend groups were primarily split up by the languages the individuals can speak.
"ISB Native Languages | International School Bangkok". International School Bangkok, 2022, https://www.isb.ac.th/learning-isb/signature-programs/native-languages/. Accessed 24 Oct 2022.
Although students are united under one language, the curriculum at ISB seems to be set in a way that prevents language stigmatization from occuring and considers each student’s linguistic ability. For example, students have the option to learn in their native language. ISB has programs and native language courses that offer classes in 10+ languages which can help them retain knowledge and maintain their cultural identity. According to the ISB website, the purpose of these courses is to “help our children to feel both culturally and linguistically at home” and develop academic skills in both their English and native language. It also makes sure that students have people to whom they can connect and relate to.
In addition to the native language courses, ISB offers an EAL program to improve their English language skills, which will “allow students to be successful in their academic work as well as in everyday communication.” With learners moving through developmental stages at varying rates, the EAL program at ISB is customized and tailored specifically to each student to make sure all students are effective in the course. Chun Peng Kang, a 10th grader at ISB, comments “even though my English is not as good as others but I can understand most of it, because of EAL. I speak English with my friends from different countries and I didn't feel any different because we all understand.” Chun Peng Kang is originally from China but has been to international schools around the world. “My previous school is also international, but most of the people [spoke] Chinese. After coming to ISB there are a lot more international students so the amount of English I spoke increased, and that helped me learn English faster,” he says.
Language stigmatization can become a problem when students are not culturally competent and make comments that may not seem hurtful, but which may affect a student’s confidence in their linguistic ability. Fortunately, ISB is a school where students are bilingual speakers and respect each other’s differences.
Works Cited
"Language In International Schools: Moving Away From The Monolingual Monolith". Cois.Org, 2017, https://www.cois.org/about-cis/perspectives-blog/blog-post/~board/perspectives-blog/post/language-in-international-schools-moving-away-from-the-monolingual-monolith. Accessed 20 Oct
"Language Stigma, Standards And Surveillance In US/UK Schools ". Brunel.Ac.Uk, 2022, https://www.brunel.ac.uk/research/projects/language-stigma-standards-and-surveillance-in-usuk-schools. Accessed 20 Oct 2022.
"EAL Program At ISB | International School Bangkok". International School Bangkok, 2022, https://www.isb.ac.th/learning-isb/student-services/eal/. Accessed 24 Oct 2022.
"ISB Native Languages | International School Bangkok". International School Bangkok, 2022, https://www.isb.ac.th/learning-isb/signature-programs/native-languages/. Accessed 24 Oct 2022.