English as the International Language of Science: A Case Study of Mexican Scientists' Writing for Publication

Global dissemination of scientific findings is imperative for scientific advancement. However, the domination of English as an international language of science (EILS) has placed a potentially inequitable burden on multilingual periphery scholars attempting to disseminate their research findings in indexed scientific journals. While such scholars have been the focus of much recent research into this English for research publication purposes (ERPP), little empirical research has taken place in Latin America. This instrumental case study examines the experiences of Mexican scientists via an academic writing for publication course (AWC) delivered in Canada and Mexico between 2011 and 2013. This study attempts to better understand scientists’ perspectives on the growing expectations of publishing their research in English, their challenges to achieving publication of research articles in indexed scientific journals, and their perceptions of the efficacy of an AWC at addressing these challenges. Rich, triangulated survey and interview data point to a grudging acceptance of the growing expectations for publishing in English as well as a widespread perception among Mexican scientists of bias against them at international scientific journals. Further findings include a comprehensive list of emerging (PhD student) and established (faculty) scientists’ ERPP challenges as well as improved scholar confidence following an intensive AWC. Critical interpretation of findings leads to discussion of participant perceptions of EILS and ERPP within a market of linguistic exchange where asymmetrical power relations and pervasive ideologies of language underscore significant barriers to multilingual scholars achieving a fuller connection to their desired scientific discourse communities. Implications stemming from the study findings include critical, pragmatic suggestions for those involved in the support, production, revision, and adjudication of scientific writing for publication at Mexico University (pseudonym) as well as suggestions for future research avenues into the complex role(s) of English and ERPP instruction in the global production of scientific knowledge.

Department dc:contributor.department

Curriculum, Teaching and Learning

Year dc:date.issued

2015

Author dc:creator

• Corcoran, James

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Gagné, Antoinette

• English as a lingua franca
• English for research publication purposes
• ESL/EFL
• scholarly writing
• scientific knowledge production
• writing for publication

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/1807/70842

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:utoronto.scholaris.ca:1807/70842