Standards, Stigma, Surveillance Raciolinguistic Ideologies and England’s Schools

“The book is a fearless and much-needed exploration of the topic that certainly provides much fuel for the conversation the author set out to provoke. Teachers in all settings (schools, further and higher education) would have much to gain from engaging with Cushing’s arguments, as would fellow researchers, and not only for its obvious relevance to the field of language and education, but also because of its rich and purposefully considered use of various methods and methodologies.” (Frank Monaghan, Applied Linguistics, November 20, 2024)

“This book offers compelling insights into how standard language and raciolinguistic ideologies shape contemporary education policy in schools across England. ... The book provides a very detailed historical overview of the sociopolitical structures, institutions, and state-level mechanisms which craft a narrative of linguistic deprivation around minoritized speakers. ... The sheer scope of this book and the new vision of language education it proposes, makes this book an essential text for both educational practitioners and policymakers alike.” (Katie Mansfield, Language in Society, Vol. 53 (2), 2024)

“I urge you to read Cushing’s very timely book, but before doing so, read Mulwa’s startling novel. This is because, read together, they show how colonial history is returning, even in the guts of the ex-colonisers’ own schools in the midst of our cities. It is a truth which British Toryism welcomes and applauds with the cruel hubris of vicious imperial nostalgia.” (Chris Searle, Morning Star, morningstaronline.co.uk, March 13, 2023)