Smooth conversations

Sexuality as a Linguistic Resource in a Secondary Language Classroom

Datos Bibliográficos

ID2920876
AutoresAngelica Simonsson (0000-0001-6224-9539, Faculty of Education, Goteborg University, Goteborg, Sweden, autor de correspondencia)
Año2020
Volumen41
Número1
Páginas21-31
Fecha de publicación2020-01-02
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaDiscourse Studies in the Cultural Politics of Education (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 0159-6306 • E-ISSN: 1469-3739
EditorialInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/01596306.2018.1481825
OpenAlexW2806481077
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas2
Referencias citadas21

In the present article, the interlinking between language and sexuality in a secondary language classroom is explored. The aim of the article is to examine use of performances of sexuality in conversation practices in an English classroom in a Swedish secondary school. The data production method is classroom observations, and the examples analysed are taken from field notes made during three grade eight English lectures in a Swedish secondary school. Using concepts of normativity and performativity, I analyse how sexuality is employed in classroom conversations. The results show that reproduction of heteronormativity seems intrinsic to language education in these cases. The pupils, in various ways, employ sexuality as a common bond that facilitates smooth conversations, for instance by using references to hypothetical heterosexual relationships, thereby positioning themselves as heterosexual, or by drawing on other recognizable performances of, e.g. femininity, masculinity and heterosexuality

Conversation · Femininity · Heteronormativity · Heterosexuality · Human sexuality · Lesbian · Linguistics · Masculinity · Pedagogy · Performativity · Sociology · Communication · Gender Studies · Gender Studies in Language · Language, Discourse, Communication Strategies · Mathematics · Multilingual Education and Policy · Psychology