ELF: A CONCEPT AND PEDAGOGICAL IMPLICATIONS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18485/zivjez.2016.36.1.6Keywords:
English as a lingua franca, English language varieties, appropriate methodology, appropriate pedagogy, accommodation skills, negotiation of meaning, English language teachingAbstract
The aim of this paper is to present the basic theoretical postulates of the concept of the English language as lingua franca (English as a lingua franca, ELF), a variety that records deviations from English language standards. Based on the review of relevant research in the field of pragmatics, phonology, vocabulary and grammar, we conclude that ELF has the characteristics of a neutral language suitable for use in intercultural communication. The introduction of English as a lingua franca in pedagogical practice and language education policy implies changes in the approach based on conventional prescriptivism. The concept of ELF imposes the creation of “appropriate pedagogies and methodologies” that develop “adaptive abilities” in language and strive to “negotiate meaning” (Thomas 1995: 22).
