What Four Skills? Redefining Language and Literacy Standards for ELT in the Digital Era

Abstract

Over the last 15 years, the rapid development of information and communication technologies (ICT) has facilitated a revolution in how we use language. Online environments have facilitated creative and variable spelling using code hybridization and stylistic use of mechanical conventions such as punctuation and capitalization, lexical coinages, new genres and conversational shapes, new social networks, and digital identities. The traditional four-skills paradigm of text-based grammar study framing English-language teaching curricula no longer adequately describes language and literacies in the Information Era. This article examines changing language conventions in English used in online environments, theorizing directions for new and variable language conventions. The article makes the case that understanding relative language standards in digital environments is essential for teaching and testing appropriate and contemporary English language literacies.