Problematizing the concepts of genuineness and authenticity in language advising

This article discusses the use of terms denoting a language advisor’s real or authentic feelings and behavior. It argues that many uses of these ideas in the literature on language advising can be problematic. First, these concepts may be theoretically confusing and unworkable when given as a guiding principle of language advising. Second, attempting to follow these principles may place an unrealistic burden on language advisors. Finally, identifying what constitutes these feelings is inherently slippery. The article argues for viewing honesty as a bonus rather than a theoretical principle in language advising, and suggests subsuming these ideas under the concept of professionalism.