Language tests and social policy
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Tim F. McNamara✝
Abstract
This chapter provides a commentary on the other contributions in the volume by relating them to current dilemmas facing language testers working in policy areas involving immigration and citizenship. It is argued that the overt construct of language tests for citizenship (proficiency in the dominant national language, proposed on the grounds of the welfare of newcomers) is a mask for the implicit construct, which is the imposition of a particular ideology of belonging proposed as being in the interests of the majority culture. The technical qualities of the tests further obscure the contestable policy function of their use and render opposition more difficult. This situation poses dilemmas for the theory and practice of language testing.
Abstract
This chapter provides a commentary on the other contributions in the volume by relating them to current dilemmas facing language testers working in policy areas involving immigration and citizenship. It is argued that the overt construct of language tests for citizenship (proficiency in the dominant national language, proposed on the grounds of the welfare of newcomers) is a mask for the implicit construct, which is the imposition of a particular ideology of belonging proposed as being in the interests of the majority culture. The technical qualities of the tests further obscure the contestable policy function of their use and render opposition more difficult. This situation poses dilemmas for the theory and practice of language testing.
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- List of appendices, tables and figures vii
- Notes on contributors ix
- Acknowledgements xiii
- Testing regimes 1
- Fortress Europe? 15
- Language tests for immigrants 45
- Language, migration and citizenship 61
- Being English, speaking English 83
- Language, citizenship and Europeanization 109
- Local actors in promoting multilingualism 129
- Language tests and social policy 153
- Index 165
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- List of appendices, tables and figures vii
- Notes on contributors ix
- Acknowledgements xiii
- Testing regimes 1
- Fortress Europe? 15
- Language tests for immigrants 45
- Language, migration and citizenship 61
- Being English, speaking English 83
- Language, citizenship and Europeanization 109
- Local actors in promoting multilingualism 129
- Language tests and social policy 153
- Index 165
