Critical Engagement with Teacher Perceptions of Language and Communication (original) (raw)

In recent years, we have seen growing awareness of ELF principles and research, with extensive discussion of the relevance of ELF in all manner of educational settings. Nevertheless, it is also apparent that approaches to language awareness and analysis continue to be underscored by monolingualism and language ideologies. This paper re-examines some long-standing assumptions in language education about the perceived role of Native Speaker English (NSE), both as a pedagogic model and as a means of determining language competence. In doing so, I critically appraise the concept of emergent language, an increasingly influential idea gaining currency in language teaching methodology. As I have argued for some time now, to promote greater uptake of ELF pedagogic principles among practising language teachers, we must engage in critical discussion of the pedagogic impact of ELF in the curriculum for language teacher education. Only by facilitating the development of critical awareness can w...