This pioneering exploration of trans-speakerism takes readers on a journey that redefines the foundations of language education discourse. This edited volume serves as a vital contribution—bringing together assorted empirical studies and discussions contributed by scholars with various linguistic backgrounds and scholarly experiences from around the world to confront and deconstruct the enduring influence of native-speakerism.
At the heart of this work is the innovative concept of trans-speakerism, which moves beyond historical bifurcated markers for language speakers. Via the adoption of all-embracing terminology—global speakers of English (GSEs), global teachers of English (GTEs), and global Englishes researchers (GERs)—we propose a richer, more contextual understanding that shines a light on individual agency and multiplicity. This volume therefore stands out not only for its theoretical insights but also for its ability to inspire change. We demonstrate new ways to visualize entrenched power dynamics in language education by asserting the strengths and experiences of all practitioners and researchers, whilst honoring their multifaceted identities beyond reductive linguistic categorizations.
Framing language education and its related fields through the prism of trans-speakerism unveils new possibilities for both practitioners and researchers to refurbish traditional hierarchies and herald a future of inclusive excellence.
Edited by:
Takaaki Hiratsuka (Ryukoku University Japan)
Imprint: Routledge
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions:
Height: 234mm,
Width: 156mm,
Weight: 540g
ISBN: 9781032982304
ISBN 10: 1032982306
Series: Routledge Applied Linguistics
Pages: 186
Publication Date: 18 August 2025
Audience:
College/higher education
,
Professional and scholarly
,
Primary
,
Undergraduate
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active
Foreword Kebir Colmenero and David Lasagabaster 1. Introduction Takaaki Hiratsuka Part 1 Identity Journeys in Motion: Empowerment in Language Education 2. Textualizing Our Journeys: Dialogic Explorations of Trans-Speakerism as Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Saurabh Anand, Lakmini Grant Siriwardana, and Luis Javier Pentón Herrera 3. Illuminating Japanese University Students’ Perspectives on Trans-Speakerism and Native-Speakerism Takaaki Hiratsuka 4. A Duoethnography of Trans-Speakerism: A Japanese University Professor and a Ukrainian Graduate Student Takaaki Hiratsuka and Kviat Oleksandra Part 2 Teacher Identities in Flux: Educational Opportunities and Challenges 5. “We don’t Say ‘X’”: Critical Conversation Analysis on Language Teachers’ Use of the Institutional “We” Mika Ishino 6. Beneficiaries of Native-Speakerism on Trans-Speakerism Takaaki Hiratsuka, Maki Hitomi, and Tekka Chang 7. The Potential for Transitioning China’s ELT from Native-Speakerism to Trans-Speakerism: Exploring Pre-Service Teachers’ Stances towards English Accents Junshuan Liu 8. Shift in Perception towards Trans-Speakerism: The Rising Status of NNESTs in Taiwan’s Bilingual Agenda Hui-Ju Tsai and Ai-Chun Yen Part 3 Global Perspectives in Transition: Professional Practices and Language Ideologies 9. Pushing Back: Resistance Practices of Filipino English Teachers in Japan Julius C. Martinez 10. Trans-Speakerism in Translator and Interpreter Education Eva Seidl 11. Language and Identity in the Writing and Publication Process: Trans-Speakerism and Knowledge Production Theron Muller and Alaa Salem Afterword Peter De Costa
Takaaki Hiratsuka, Professor at Ryukoku University, Japan, has authored Narrative Inquiry into Language Teacher Identity: ALTs in the JET Program (2022, Routledge), Team Teachers in Japan: Beliefs, Identities, and Emotions (2023, Routledge), and Native-Speakerism and Trans-Speakerism: Entering a New Era (2024, Cambridge University Press).
Reviews for Trans-speakerism: A Collection of Empirical Explorations
“This edited volume is an essential contribution to dismantle native-speakerism and champion equity in language education. Through global perspectives and empirical studies, this volume introduces the transformative concept of trans-speakerism, empowering educators and researchers to reimagine language identity. Hiratsuka’s compilation redefines linguistic value, advocating for a strengths-based, inclusive approach that enriches teaching, learning, and professional practice. This groundbreaking book is a must-read for all invested in a more just linguistic landscape.” (Heath Rose, Professor, University of Oxford, UK)
