Question on "native English" speaker

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gravatar-icon Posted on · by Fhatani K.

 May I have clarity on the meaning of "native English" speaker. Here in South Africa we learn in English at school, college, etc, but the majority of people speak various indegenous languages like IsiZulu, Sotho, IsiXhosa, etc. As a qualified teacher I teach in English at school but at home and any other non-work environment I speak my indegenous (black) language just like the learners I teach. In fact, here when you say "native English" it implies "white" people; not a racial context but because it (English) is their mother (home) language. So does someone like me, as desrcibed above, qualify for jobs posted on the teach-away website? Not just on paper but in a practical sense-as in, has the company successfully placed teachers with a profile like mine? 

Thanks,

Fhatani.

2 Comments

  1. gravatar-icon
    Janice L.
    January 12, 2016 at 4.29 pm

    Hi Fhatani, thanks for your question. We place a lot of South African teachers all the time and these teachers are in high demand actually! By "native English" speaker, we try to make sure to say "native proficiency" in the English language. We understand that English might not be the first language for everyone, but if you have a native proficiency and can speak to the level of a native English speaker, then you are definitely good to apply.

  1. gravatar-icon
    Fhatani K.
    January 13, 2016 at 12.06 pm

    Thanks for the clarity Janice!