Response to Khodi: Relational Safety, Language, and Identity in <scp>TESOL</scp> Contexts

Abstract This response engages with Khodi's commentary on relational safety in TESOL classrooms. We clarify that our study does not propose replicating therapeutic communities, but highlights how language, emotion, identity, and context become intertwined in relationally safe environments. We argue that a later‐learned language can function as an embodied linguistic space, enabling the renegotiation of self with some distance from trauma. We also point to ongoing teacher development workshops exploring how these insights can inform pedagogical practice.

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Publication Details

Journal
TESOL Quarterly
Published
2026-04-13
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/tesq.70104
Primary Topic
Multilingual Education and Policy
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

Response to Khodi: Relational Safety, Language, and Identity in TESOL Contexts

Sally Rachel Cook, J.-M. Dewaele
TESOL Quarterly
Multilingual Education and Policy
article

Response to Khodi: Relational Safety, Language, and Identity in TESOL Contexts

Sally Rachel Cook, J.-M. Dewaele
article en

Abstract

Abstract This response engages with Khodi's commentary on relational safety in TESOL classrooms. We clarify that our study does not propose replicating therapeutic communities, but highlights how language, emotion, identity, and context become intertwined in relationally safe environments. We argue that a later‐learned language can function as an embodied linguistic space, enabling the renegotiation of self with some distance from trauma. We also point to ongoing teacher development workshops exploring how these insights can inform pedagogical practice.

TESOL Quarterly
Vigo (Poland) (PL), University College London (GB), Birkbeck, University of London (GB)
Quality Education
Openalex Percentile: Top 10%
Multilingual Education and Policy
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Response to Khodi: Relational Safety, Language, and Identity in <scp>TESOL</scp> Contexts — Sally Rachel Cook, J.-M. Dewaele · TESOL Quarterly (2026) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS