Chapter 14 Summary and Analysis

The author introduces how the use of language has influenced learning processes. The dominance and subdominance of discourse within and outside of academic environments is directly addressed in this chapter. Many of the students do feel that they have valuable input. However, many of them feel that they are not allowed to speak freely. It is also often the case that there is a particular strain of dominant discourse. They also often feel that the instructor prevents their 'voices' from being heard. This creates a level of illusion within the environment: part of the truth may be shared, but there is other truth that must be hidden or repressed.

The teacher also addresses the strange position that instructors find themselves in. Often enough, the teachers are more of their own situation of subdominance to those authorities which have hired them to...