Implications of Critical Language Studies for Language Studies and Foreign Language Education

Abstract

Current issues such as global warming, climate change, human rights and social equality, and educational quality are all most debated issues in diverse discourses including education. Educators have the responsibility to enable their learners to critically think and question these debated issues for a sustainable world and must be equipped with the critical terminology and concepts to critique them in their classrooms. This critique requires an interdisciplinary approach to the hidden linguistic agenda in today’s global system. As a review study, this study offers the philosophical foundations of critical language studies with its roots in Critical Theory. This review casts light on what it means to be critical about language in the implication of language education, and why critical language studies are a requisite in educational settings and diverse discourses. Reviewing literature, key critical concepts and terms, and the significance of their implications for language education are provided in this study. Thus, this study may respond to the needs of scholars and individuals whose interests include language studies, and of foreign language learners, foreign language curriculum designers, and foreign language teachers and educators who seek alternative ways to transform their teaching and learning through critical use of language.