ELF awareness in the task-based classroom: a way forward

Abstract

AbstractThe article discusses ELF-aware pedagogy as a possible way to integrate English as a lingua franca (ELF) in English language classrooms and explores the extent to which task-based language teaching (TBLT) could contribute to this end. ELF-aware pedagogy involves enriching teaching practices with appropriate metalinguistic and reflective activities that help learners develop as competent ELF users. The article makes the case that, when viewed from an ELF-aware perspective, TBLT may provide a coherent methodological framework for creating an authentic communicative environment in the classroom, within which the learners may develop as ELF communicators. To provide an example of how this could be achieved in practice, the author presents an ELF-aware task she has designed and taught in her own classroom. The task integrates metalinguistic and reflective elements and focuses on promoting the learners’ pragmatic competence and sense of themselves as true owners of English.