Interrogating Race and Racism in Postsecondary Language Classrooms

Postsecondary language classrooms present a profound problem as they become breeding grounds for the perpetuation of racial discrimination and linguistic inequalities. Racialized students encounter numerous barriers, both institutional and individual, that hinder their language learning and overall educational experiences. The prevailing monolingual and monocultural norms marginalize and erase the linguistic and cultural identities of these students, reinforcing power imbalances and maintaining oppressive structures. Interrogating Race and Racism in Postsecondary Language Classrooms offers a much-needed solution to address the pervasive issues surrounding race and language within higher education. Edited by Xiangying Huo and Clayton Smith, this transformative book presents an opportunity for scholars, educators, and researchers to confront and challenge the deeply ingrained racism, linguicism, and neo-racism present in language classrooms. Through an intersectional lens, the book not only exposes the complex intersections between race and language but also provides practical strategies to combat these injustices and create inclusive learning environments. With a diverse range of topics, from power dynamics and native speakers to multilingualism and anti-oppressive pedagogies, the book equips readers with the necessary tools to effect meaningful change. It amplifies marginalized voices, highlights lived experiences, and emphasizes the importance of anti-racist and anti-colonial practices in language education. By offering research-based chapters and employing various methodologies, the book empowers educators, administrators, and policymakers to dismantle oppressive systems and cultivate environments that foster racial justice and liberation. Interrogating Race and Racism in Postsecondary Language Classrooms catalyzes the transformation of language education in higher institutions. It paves the way for a paradigm shift that prioritizes inclusivity, social justice, and equitable language learning. By engaging scholars, researchers, and educators across disciplines, this book has the potential to reshape language classrooms and dismantle systemic barriers that perpetuate racial discrimination. It is a vital resource for those invested in creating an educational landscape that values and celebrates the diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds of all students, ultimately contributing to a more just and inclusive society.

Xiangying Huo, Ph.D. is an assistant professor and English language specialist at the University of Toronto. She has presented widely on ESL/EFL policy and pedagogy, writing studies, internationalization in higher education, intercultural and cross-cultural teaching and learning, anti-racism education, and World Englishes. She is the author of Higher Education Internationalization and English Language Instruction: Intersectionality of Race and Language in Canadian Universities (2020, Springer) which was nominated by the International Writing Centers Association (IWCA) for the IWCA Outstanding Book Award in 2021.

Clayton Smith is Professor at the University of Windsor in the Faculty of Education where he teaches at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Over the course of his career, Dr. Smith has amassed significant knowledge and expertise in the areas of enrolment management, internationalization of higher education, and student success.