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Teaching English Beyond Words: Navigating Culture and Ideology in EFL Classrooms
Mike Orr’s article, Ideology for Second Language Teachers tackles a rather complex topic: the relationship between language and ideology in second language teacher education. Simply put, Orr discusses how the way we use language can subtly reflect and reinforce certain cultural and social beliefs or biases. This is especially crucial for teachers who are educating students in English as a foreign language.
Orr argues that language isn’t just about grammar or vocabulary; it’s also about the ideas and beliefs that come through in the way we talk and write. He uses the framework developed by John B. Thompson to show how language can support the power of social elites in five specific ways, like making certain ideas seem natural or hiding the true nature of things. Orr suggests that understanding this relationship can help teachers be more aware of the cultural and social implications of the language they teach and use.
In EFL teaching, especially in traditional societies in Asia and the Arab world, it’s crucial to teach English focusing on core language skills while being mindful of cultural sensitivities. Teachers should avoid imposing their own ideologies, respecting the diverse cultural backgrounds of students. The goal is to equip students with English language skills for global communication, encouraging them to think critically and use English as a tool for personal and professional growth, not cultural assimilation. This approach respects cultural diversity and views English as a neutral communication tool. Mike Orr’s article underlines the importance of this balanced teaching approach in EFL contexts.
academia.edu
Ideology for Second Language Teachers
AWEJ Volume.5 Number.4, 2014 Pp.3-13 Ideology for Second Language Teachers Mike Orr Moray House school of Education University of Edinburgh United Kingdom Abstract Abstract This paper criticizes the lack of clarity in second language teacher
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