What does it mean to be a native English speaker? Christine considers the history of English in Ireland, how the Irish have ended up speaking better English than the English themselves, and how the connotation of the term ‘native English speaker’ has resulted in unfair bias against communicators who are often multilingual and speak English as a third or fourth language. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS 

• English first came to Ireland in the 12th century. Gaeilge, or ‘Irish’, is the true ‘native’ language of Ireland. 
• When the Tudor monarchs conquered Ireland in the 16th century, English was formally introduced.  
• Hiberno English represents the marriage of two distinct languages, Gaeilge and English.
• So-called ‘native’ speakers do not always know more, understand more, or have the capacity to communicate more proficiently across cultures than so-called ‘non-native’ speakers.
• ‘Non-native’ labelling often results in unnecessary bias and damage to the confidence of the bi or multilingual English speaker.  

BEST MOMENTS 

‘The English language was, let’s use the term, ‘brought', to Ireland by the British as it was to every other country in the world which now calls it their own.’

‘Our leaders allowed the Irish language to be reduced to second language status, finding opportunity and benefit in having a population that used English.’  

‘Ah, the lessons we learn about our own and others’ perceptions! There was a great YouTube short done about a Chinese lad who planned to come to Ireland and decided to learn the native language, but bless him, he learned Irish and then when he got here he discovered that nobody spoke it.’

‘It is time to stop using terms like ‘native’ and ‘non-native’ when referring to speakers of languages’; to stop patronising multilingual employees by saying things like “oh, you pronounced that perfectly”, or worse, stopping them mid-presentation and saying, “could you speak more clearly, I can’t understand your accent.”

CONNECT WITH CHRISTINE:

Email : [email protected]

Website : www.languagecouragecoaching.com

Training: www.phenomenalpresenters.com

ABOUT THE PODCAST

Welcome to Connected Communication, a podcast series for anyone who has to communicate in English across languages and cultures. Join Christine, and guests, as they delve into the magical power of the voice, bias and the brain, and the role the world around us plays in shaping how we communicate. Transform your career by cultivating confident English communication techniques. New episodes, challenges and quests every Tuesday. Listen anywhere you get your podcasts, rate and review if you enjoy it. Communicate to connect today!

ABOUT THE HOST

Christine Mullaney is a certified brain-based coach, English teacher, examiner and trainer, and the founder of Language Courage Coaching, offering services in English Pronunciation and Communication, Public Speaking & Presentation, Intercultural Communication, Empowerment and Personal Development Coaching.

Her content blends over 25 years of training and practice in speech & drama, English teaching, public speaking, and customer service with her new-found love, neuroscience. It is designed to pump your dopamine, unblock fear and shatter shame, while nurturing natural confidence, courageous beliefs and new behaviours. 

Yu Ming is Ainm Dom
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqYtG9BNhfM 

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