Teaching English as an International Language

This is an interesting and insightful book that uses both Western and Vietnamese theoretical resources to underscore the importance of understanding the shifting professional identities of a group of Vietnamese ESL teachers, as they struggle to come to terms with competing pressures, both national and transnational. It shows that these teachers stand at the vanguard of a new era in which English represents the possibilities of greater intercultural understanding but also a hegemonic globalism that poses the risks of marginalizing other languages and cultural traditions.

* Professor Fazal Rizvi, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign *

Phan Le Ha has fulfilled such a daunting task, especially in terms of epistemology. Her critical discussion of and engagement with both Western and non-Western philosophies and knowledge is one of the most powerful elements of the book that offers meaningful space to any of us, teachers of the English language, to relate, reflect and grow.

* Associate Professor Jayakaran Mukundan, Universiti Putra Malaysia *

Interestingly, the book has capably grappled with the existing notions of epistemology in the previous literature while making sense of the author’s own experiences in the classroom. Her discussion on epistemology as a driving force in developing modes of resistance both in her local setting and the wider context of the profession will surely be a lasting contribution to the complex processes that underlie the development of knowledge in the field for years to come. Most importantly, the application of auto-ethnography, which appears to be an underdeveloped method for research in English language teaching, makes this a welcome addition to the growing literature on the application of indigenous methods of investigation in the field. Since the expansion of hazy concepts such as epistemology and identity are adequately addressed in this book using the author’s own documented experiences, the use of auto-ethnography has the potential to draw similar/conflicting experiences among professionals across different cultures and settings.

-- Paolo Nino M. Valdez, De La Salle University Manila in Journal of Language, Identity & Education 10:5, 364-367 (2