The Attitude of Teachers towards Varieties of a Language and Its Effects on Learners’ Education and Self Esteem

Abstract

There are different varieties within the same language. It is argued that all varieties of a language are equal and none of the varieties are superior or inferior to the other varieties of the same language as far as their linguistic features and functions are concerned. However, in many languages the varieties are associated with prestige, power and prejudice of the society they are serving. It is generally said that societies have positive attitude towards the standard variety and negative attitude towards the non-standard varieties. In addition, the attitudes that speakers hold about the language varieties is reflected in academic setting. For this reason, attitudes towards varieties of a language have been an issue in education contexts.  Besides, the attitudes towards language varieties can affect their use in education and can have an impact on students’ learning and self esteem.  Therefore, this article will explore the attitude of teachers towards varieties of a language and the effects of teachers’ attitude on the students’ self esteem and education.

Keywords:  Attitude, Education, Language Varieties, Self-esteem, Students,, Teachers