Summary of All Ears English Podcast Episode 2378: "Are You Making this Mistake When You Refer to Native Speakers?"

Podcast Information:

• Title: All Ears English Podcast
• Hosts: Lindsay McMahon and Michelle Kaplan
• Episode: 2378
• Release Date: March 24, 2025
• Description: This episode delves into the common mistake learners make when referring to native English speakers and explores the respectful terminology when discussing Native Americans in the United States. Hosts Lindsay McMahon and Aubrey Carter provide valuable insights to help ESL learners navigate these linguistic nuances effectively.

Introduction to the Topic

The episode opens with Lindsay McMahon introducing the primary focus: the incorrect usage of the term "Native Americans" when one intends to refer to "native English speakers." This confusion arises frequently among English learners and can lead to misunderstandings or unintended disrespect.

Lindsay McMahon [00:10]:
"Find out what it is today, plus get important updates on how to refer to Native Americans in the United States."

Understanding the Common Mistake

Aubrey Carter highlights the multifaceted use of the word "native" in English, emphasizing its various meanings depending on the context.

Aubrey Carter [01:50]:
"I definitely think of Native Americans. I think of the restaurant Native New Yorker. I think of native English speakers. We use this word so many ways in English." [01:50]

The hosts clarify that while "native speakers" correctly refers to individuals whose first language is English (or another specified language), "Native Americans" specifically denotes the indigenous peoples of the United States.

Clarifying Terminology

To prevent confusion, the hosts explore appropriate alternatives when referring to native English speakers. They suggest specifying the variant of English, such as "native speakers of American English" or "native British English speakers."

Lindsay McMahon [04:05]:
"You could also say native speakers of English. You could also say native speakers of American English. I suppose you could say that as well." [04:05]

Respectful Terms for Indigenous Peoples

The discussion shifts to the correct and respectful terminology when referring to Native Americans. Aubrey explains the historical context and the evolution of preferred terms.

Aubrey Carter [04:27]:
"Native Americans. This refers to indigenous peoples in the United States." [04:27]

They emphasize moving away from outdated and insensitive terms such as "American Indians" or simply "Indians," which originated from Christopher Columbus's mistaken belief that he had reached India.

Aubrey Carter [05:00]:
"They now know that the preferred term is either Native Americans or Indigenous people or natives." [05:00]

Insights from a 2021 Panel on Terminology

Aubrey shares insights from a panel held in May 2021 in Mississippi, which featured representatives from various Native nations. The panel underscored the diversity among the 574 federally recognized Native nations, each with unique preferences regarding terminology.

Aubrey Carter [05:40]:
"You should definitely ask if Native Americans, ask them what terms they would prefer, because we can't assume that every one of them would prefer these terms." [05:40]

Lindsay reinforces this point, highlighting the importance of asking individuals how they wish to be addressed to foster respect and connection.

Lindsay McMahon [06:48]:
"Those conversations actually build connection and build respect." [06:48]

Evolution of Terms: From "Reservation" to "Native Lands"

The hosts discuss the shift from the term "reservation," historically taught in schools, to "native lands" to better respect the sovereignty and histories of Native American nations.

Aubrey Carter [08:25]:
"Native lands. This is land owned by Native Americans. [08:25]

They acknowledge the challenge in changing established language habits but stress the importance of these changes in honoring Native American histories and identities.

Preferred Terminology: "Nation" Over "Tribe"

Another significant point is the preference for the term "nation" instead of "tribe." This change acknowledges the sovereignty and distinct governmental systems of each Native nation.

Aubrey Carter [09:20]:
"Most Native Americans would prefer that we use the term nation instead of tribe." [09:20]

Lindsay connects this to broader cultural trends where "tribe" is often co-opted by marketing and other sectors to describe any group, diluting its specific meaning and importance.

Practical Application: Role Play Scenario

To solidify understanding, the hosts engage in a role-play scenario demonstrating the correct usage of terms discussed. They illustrate how to naturally incorporate respectful terminology into everyday conversations.

Role Play Highlights:

• Native Speakers:

  • Lindsay [12:21]:
    "I heard you're learning Spanish, is that right?"
  • Aubrey [12:27]:
    "My goal is to be able to speak as well as a native speaker, but I've got a long way to go."

• Referring to Native Lands:

  • Lindsay [12:45]:
    "Are there a lot of native lands in Idaho?"
  • Aubrey [15:54]:
    "The Shoshone Bannock Nation is not far from where I grew up."

During the role-play, they emphasize phrases like "native speaker level" and "native lands," reinforcing the correct terminology.

Key Takeaways and Best Practices

1. Differentiate Clearly:

   • Use "native speakers" to refer to individuals whose first language is English or another specified language.
   • Use "Native Americans" or "Indigenous people" specifically for the indigenous populations of the United States.

2. Respect Preferences:

   • Always ask individuals how they prefer to be addressed.
   • Avoid outdated terms like "American Indian" or "Indian."

3. Evolve Your Language:

   • Adopt terms that respect the sovereignty and identity of Native nations, such as "native lands" and "nation" instead of "reservation" and "tribe."

4. Cultural Sensitivity Builds Connection:

   • Using respectful and accurate terminology fosters better connections and shows genuine respect for individuals and their cultures.

Conclusion

Episode 2378 of the All Ears English Podcast provides essential guidance for ESL learners on the nuanced use of the term "native" in English. By distinguishing between "native speakers" and "Native Americans," and by adopting respectful terminology, learners can enhance their language proficiency while demonstrating cultural sensitivity. Lindsay McMahon and Aubrey Carter effectively navigate these complex topics, offering practical advice and real-life applications to help listeners communicate more accurately and respectfully in American English.

Notable Quotes:

• Aubrey Carter [02:07]:
  "Native Americans has a very specific meaning. Anyone whose first language is English, you can refer to, that is."

• Lindsay McMahon [04:17]:
  "We don't want to say native Americans when we mean to say native speakers of English."

• Aubrey Carter [09:47]:
  "They would prefer the term nation. This shows respect for sovereignty and the fact that Native nations each have their own system of government."

By adhering to these guidelines, ESL learners can avoid common mistakes and engage more respectfully and effectively in English conversations.