Faculty Members Publication
Undergraduate and Graduate English Majors’ Attitudes toward Native and Non- Native English Accents and Their Role in Identity Formation (Accepted in the 19th Volume of Spectrum, Journal of Department of English, University of Dhaka)
This study examines the attitudes of undergraduate and graduate English majors toward ‘native’
and ‘non-native’ English accents and explores how these attitudes influence their identity
formation. It aims to determine participants’ perceptions of the status and importance of different
English accents, their self-assessment of their own accent, and the relationship between accent
and identity. Employing an explanatory sequential mixed-methods approach, the study integrates
a questionnaire administered to 105 students (54 first-year undergraduates and 51 M.A. graduates)
at a public university in Bangladesh, complemented by focus group discussions analysed through
grounded theory of the constructivist design. Quantitative data are analysed using descriptive
statistics and Levene’s t-test to identify differences between the two groups of participants, while
qualitative data are examined through manual coding. Findings show that participants generally
reject the notion of a ‘native’ English accent as the definitive ideal and do not regard a ‘non-
native’ English accent as inferior. Nevertheless, quantitative data indicate that participants
perceive a ‘native’ English accent as socially prestigious, suggesting a desire to acquire it.
Qualitative discussions reveal deeper power dynamics rooted in colonial history, with participants
expressing a preference for developing a 'standard regional accent' that preserves their linguistic
heritage and aligns with local vocal norms, rather than aspiring to emulate a 'native’ English
accent.
Flipped classroom: beyond the lecture
An online newspaper article that explores the efficacy of inverting the conventional approach of teaching in the classroom.
Authors: Shaharima Parvin and Md Arshad Shahriar
Publication date: 2026/4/21
Source: New Age
Link: https://www.newagebd.net/post/opinion/293686/flipped-classroom-beyond-the-lecture
Conference Paper Presentations
- Paul, H. (2026), "Investigating Self-Regulated Learning in Bangladeshi ELT Programs," paper presented at the 30th NELTA International Conference 2026, Kathmandu, Nepal, 30-31 January.
- Raisa, J.T. Paul, H. (2025) "AI Tools in Fostering Critical Thinking: Exploring Perceptions of Bangladeshi Undergraduate Students," paper presented at the 3rd TESOLBD-DIU International Conference 2025, Dhaka, Bangladesh, 5-6 December.
