The reading — Composition Studies and ESL Writing: A Disciplinary Division of Labor

Paul Kei Matsuda

 

In this Article Paul Kei Matsuda describes the what writing teachers encounter when embarking on composition studies for ESL writers.  ESL has historically not been including within the framework of composition; this fact is also reflected in the work of notable researchers and writer on composition.  Matsuda writes,

The second-language component does not appear in the work of influential historians of composition studies-such as James Berlin, Robert Connors, Susan Miller and David Russell-because ESL writing has not

been considered as part of composition studies since it began to move toward the status of a profession during the 1960s (700).

Not including ESL into compostion caused a split within the teaching of writing.  Second language teachers began to form their own discipline separate from writing composition.

 

What is interesting is when Matsuda writes that ESL was not considered a profession in the United States until very recently.  The question I have then is what about linguistic imperialism, where the language of the dominate culture spreads into and even eliminates the language of the oppressed culture.  Yes, I am still talking about dominance and oppression.    When the advance of capitalism, and the language of capitalism, which is language begins to take over the world.

 

I also think it is interesting that Matusda tells us that in 1940s, anyone who could speak English was capable of teaching English to speakers of other language.  A prime example of how ESL was not considered a serious discipline.  In order to teach English to native speakers, a teacher has have at least a bachelor’s degree and have gone through some sort of teacher training.   

 

The real development of ESL as a discipline started at the University of Michigan. Matsuda states, “one of the most important consequences of the creation of the Michigan ELI was the rise of what maybe called ‘Michigan professionalism’” (703).  Michigan established a paradigm for the formation of ESL instruction.  By the 1950s there were 22 programs that provided training for teachers in ESL instruction.

 

I really find this interesting because I have always been fascinated by Teaching English to Speakers of Other Language.  The concept that I find the most interesting in lowering of a students affective filter.  When this is done, a student is more likely to acquire language rather than learn language.  Acquiring language is meaningful and makes the language apart of the students schema.