Language Practices A Critical Investigation of Inequality at School - Tapa blanda

The focus of this research is to explore the capacity of Applied Linguistics as a discipline to mediate the real-world problem of inequality in a school's practice in the UAE. The capacity of Applied Linguistics has been described as socially responsive with the ability to provide insights and interpretations for those who do not have tools to reflect. Using Pennycook's conception of local language practices to explore this idea, a collaboration of school faculty participated in the investigation to explore the existing inequalities and reasons for occurrence in the institutional space of a school in Abu Dhabi. This exploratory case study carried out qualitative and quantitative research. The research was conducted as part of the New England Association of Schools & Colleges Accreditation report which recommended that the school immediately investigate, develop and implement a plan to foster a climate of trust, fairness and respect between parallel sections of the upper school. The research critically explored local language practices of school faculty and students which elicited a cross-section of participant responses about the real-world issue of inequality at school.

Mrs. Bridin Mary Harnett is an English Language Instructor at Abu Dhabi University. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Education awarded by the National University of Ireland and is a Master’s Degree holder in Applied Linguistics& TESOL, awarded by the University of Leicester. She is undertaking doctoral studies at the British University in Dubai.