TEFL Today

Question 1

What is the difference between Communicative Competence and Intercultural Communicative Competence (ICC)?

Answer 1

Communicative Competence: The ability to use language effectively in real-life contexts.

ICC: Expands this by including cultural awareness, identity negotiation, and social interaction across cultures.

Question 2

What are the four components of Intercultural Communicative Competence (Byram, 1997)?

Answer 2

1. Knowledge – Understanding cultural norms, stereotypes, and social interactions.
2. Attitudes – Curiosity, openness, and willingness to engage with other cultures.
3. Interpretin & Relating (comparing cultural events and perspectives).
   Discovery & Interaction (learning about and adapting to new cultures).
4. Critical Cultural Awareness – Evaluating cultural differences critically while reflecting on one’s own.

Question 3

Why is English considered a global language?

Answer 3

It is widely used for international communication.
It exists in multiple varieties (World Englishes).
It serves as a lingua franca for people from different language backgrounds.

Question 4

What are the main challenges of teaching English as a Global Language?

Answer 4

• Deciding which English variety to teach (British, American, World Englishes).
• Avoiding cultural bias (Westernization, Americanization).
• Addressing linguistic diversity while maintaining intelligibility.

Question 5

What does “English as a Lingua Franca (ELF)” mean?

Answer 5

• English used for communication between non-native speakers.
• Focuses on intelligibility and adaptability rather than native-like accuracy.
• Prioritizes intercultural communication over grammatical perfection.

Question 6

What are the key challenges in modern TEFL?

Answer 6

• Learner heterogeneity (diverse skill levels, inclusion).
• The role of Intercultural Communicative Competence (ICC).
• Standardization & CEFR (focus on measurable outcomes).
• Digitalization in language learning (AI, learning platforms).
• CLIL (teaching subjects in English).
• Constructivism (learner-centered teaching).

Question 7

What is CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning)?

Answer 7

• Teaching academic subjects in English (e.g., history, science).
• Supports natural language acquisition in context.

Question 8

How does standardization (CEFR) impact TEFL?

Answer 8

• Focuses on competence-based learning.
• Promotes measurable language skills.
• Balances language diversity with structured learning goals.

Question 9

What is the role of digitalization in TEFL?

Answer 9

• Blended learning (mixing online & offline learning).
• Use of learning platforms, apps, AI-based tools.

Challenges: Teacher training, digital access, student engagement.