Teaching English as a Foreign Language (EFL) vs Teaching English as a Lingua Franca (ELF)

Summary

In this video, Marek Kiczkowiak from TEFL Equity Advocates discusses the differences between teaching English as a Foreign Language (EFL) and English as a Lingua Franca (ELF). EFL focuses on native speaker conformity, while ELF emphasizes global communication and intelligibility. The video highlights the need to move away from native speakerism and adapt English language teaching to reflect the reality of English as a global language predominantly used by non-native speakers.

Takeaways

• 😀 Teaching English as a Foreign Language (EFL) focuses on conformity with native speaker models, emphasizing standard pronunciation and language use.
• 😄 In EFL, having a foreign accent is often seen as negative, and students are discouraged from using their first language (code-switching).
• 😃 Standard native speaker culture is often prioritized in EFL, with non-native speakers rarely being used as language models.
• 😁 EFL tends to promote native speakerism, the idea that native speakers are linguistically and pedagogically superior.
• 😆 Teaching English as a Lingua Franca (ELF) prioritizes intelligibility in international contexts rather than conformity to native speaker standards.
• 😂 ELF emphasizes clear communication across diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, focusing on interaction with non-native speakers.
• 😊 In ELF, intercultural communicative skills are vital, helping students navigate various cultural contexts rather than just native speaker cultures.
• 😉 ELF encourages using non-native speakers as language models, which can motivate students by showing them real-world examples of effective communication.
• 🙃 Raising awareness of native speakerism and the global spread of English is a key component of ELF teaching.
• 😌 ELF acknowledges that most English speakers are non-native, making the language a tool for global communication, not just a reflection of native speaker norms.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of EFL (English as a Foreign Language) teaching?

The primary focus of EFL teaching is conformity with a standard native speaker model, where students are encouraged to imitate the language of perceived 'native speakers' who speak standard English.

How does the perception of 'native speaker' influence EFL teaching?

In EFL teaching, the 'native speaker' is perceived as the ideal model for language proficiency, which influences teaching materials, pronunciation goals, and cultural content, often neglecting the diversity within the English-speaking world.

What is the typical attitude towards foreign accents in EFL teaching?

In EFL teaching, having a foreign accent is often seen as something negative, with a historical emphasis on eradicating such accents to achieve 'standard' native speaker pronunciation.

Why is code switching or translanguaging often viewed negatively in EFL contexts?

Code switching or translanguaging is viewed negatively in EFL contexts because it deviates from the standard native speaker language model, which is seen as the ideal form of communication.

How does the EFL approach differ in terms of cultural emphasis compared to ELF teaching?

EFL teaching emphasizes the culture of those perceived as native speakers, whereas ELF teaching focuses on intercultural communicative skills, preparing students to navigate a variety of cultures where English is used.

What is the significance of using non-native speakers as language models in ELF teaching?

Using non-native speakers as language models in ELF teaching is significant as it reflects the reality of English as a global language, where most speakers are non-native, and it can motivate students by showing them that high proficiency can be achieved without native-like pronunciation.

How does ELF teaching approach the issue of intelligibility compared to EFL?

ELF teaching focuses on intelligibility and the ability to communicate effectively in international contexts, rather than conformity with native speaker models, which is the focus in EFL teaching.

What is the role of native speakerism in EFL and ELF teaching?

Native speakerism plays a central role in EFL teaching, often perpetuating the idea of native speaker superiority. In contrast, ELF teaching aims to challenge and reduce the impact of native speakerism by emphasizing the global spread of English and the diversity of its users.

Why is it important to raise students' awareness of English as a Lingua Franca in ELF teaching?

Raising students' awareness of English as a Lingua Franca in ELF teaching is important to help them understand the global nature of English, the majority of its users being non-native speakers, and to prepare them for effective communication in diverse international contexts.

How does the TEFL Equity Advocates Academy aim to help English teachers?

The TEFL Equity Advocates Academy aims to help English teachers tackle native speakerism and teach English for global communication by offering courses and training that focus on ELF principles and practices.

What are the key differences between EFL and ELF teaching methodologies?

The key differences between EFL and ELF teaching methodologies include the focus on native speaker conformity versus intelligibility, the use of native versus non-native speaker models, the emphasis on target culture versus intercultural communicative skills, and the approach to code switching and language diversity.