TESL 0160: Unit 1 Reflection

                                   TESL 0160 Unit 1 Reflection: English as a Lingua Franca

                                        (Source: https://pixabay.com/p-909149/?no_redirect)

Until now, I always believed that in order to learn a language, one must also immerse oneself in that culture in order to better understand it. For example, I have studied Japanese for a number of years and one approach that has helped me immensely is to listen to Japanese music, watch Japanese TV programs, and read Japanese news. In addition to this, I have learned about Japanese customs, which has given me a greater context for how and why the language is the way it is. However, in my case, I am learning Japanese so that I can communicate with other Japanese people, in Japan. What’s important to note is that I am learning about the culture so that I can integrate into Japanese society when I move there. However, when learning a lingua franca, such as English, it isn’t necessary to learn about Western culture.

When people learn English as a lingua franca, they are simply wanting to acquire the language so that they can use it in their own country; they are learning it to discuss matters about their own culture, and not Western culture. When looking at it this way, it makes little sense to immerse oneself in Western culture when one may never actually encounter it. Therefore, EFL teachers must consider this when developing materials for their students. They should first assess their situation and figure out the reasons their students are studying English. Suleiman Jenkins (2008) suggests that teachers take an intercultural approach to English language instruction. With this approach, the teacher tailors the lessons to better mesh with the local culture, rather than try to impose Western culture onto their students. I think this is a good balance as it is important that the students feel what they are learning is relevant to their situation. However, if the students express an interest in learning about Western culture, by all means the teacher can incorporate Western culture into the lessons. What’s important that the teacher consider the needs of their students first before moving forward.

References:

Jenkins, S. (2008). Adopting an intercultural approach to teaching English as an international language. Essential Teacher 5(4), 19-21. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/258242671_Adopting_an_intercultural_approach_to_teaching_English_as_an_international_language