Abstract
We explore the question of whose norms should be imposed in these tests, and what the consequences for test-takers are if the norm imposed by the test is not the “normal” variety accepted in their own society. Data used for the study are written texts by English learners from six language backgrounds, scored by raters from their own language backgrounds as well as by native American English raters. Interesting patterns emerge, but we conclude that the complexity of the variables involved, the small n-size, and the inherent unreliability of scoring productive samples prevent any definitive claims being made.Citation
Hamp-Lyons, L., and Davies, A. (2008) The Englishes of English tests: bias revisited, 'World Englishes', 27(1) pp.26-39Publisher
Blackwell PublishingJournal
World EnglishesAdditional Links
http://doi.wiley.com/10.1111/j.1467-971X.2008.00534.xType
ArticleDescription
We explore the question of whose norms should be imposed in these tests, and what the consequences for test-takers are if the norm imposed by the test is not the “normal” variety accepted in their own society.ISSN
0883-29191467-971X
ae974a485f413a2113503eed53cd6c53
10.1111/j.1467-971X.2008.00534.x