Adapting language teaching to current trends in language use: the teacher’s role

Abstract

The “lingua franca,” for most regions in the world today is the English Language and whether it is liked or not or may or may not be the best choice, it is however the “obvious choice” as a common global language. Africa is also not an exception as English is increasingly being recognized as a mediating language for contact, and is similarly used as such in Nigeria. This is having a profound influence on the way in which the English Language is “taught” and the ways it is “used”. The focus of this paper is on the changing dynamics and trends in the use of language. The paper seeks answers to the following questions: what are the current trends in the use of English Language Globally? What are the implications of these new language trends? Does it mean the end of English language as we know it? What are the implications of these new language trends for teachers? What is the role that teachers should play to meet with the demands of these new trends? In this paper, attempts have been made to review the new trends in this area of learning within the last few decades. The needs to reform teaching methodology in literature and to adopt appropriate teaching strategies are also taken up to face the global demands. Challenges before the teachers in present day scenario are also taken up and suggestions made with practical steps. The use of ICT is also proposed as a step forward among teachers to propagate the effective use of this globally acceptable medium of communication.

Keywords: English Language Teaching, trends, education, teacher, language use