Reconsidering Objectives of Language Learning in English as a Lingua Franca Context

Abstract

It is undeniable that English has become a global language and the enormous global demand for using English as a means for communication has been apparent. With this spread of English and globalization, the result has led to a great demand for English language teacherswho can be both native and non-native English speakers. The study aims to explore university students’ attitudes towards native and non-native English speakers’ teaching practices in a context where English has been used as a lingua franca and an international language. Samples were 348 students who took a foundation English course in semester 2/2011. The instruments used were the questionnaires and interviews. It has been found that students had positive attitudes towards both native and non-native teachers’ teaching practices; however, there were some different reasons why students felt positively towards each group of English language teachers’ teaching practices. It is suggested that concerned administrators should not divide between nativeness and non-nativeness, Recognition of teachers’ pedagogical and professional abilities should be put into consideration. For teachers of English, they should have a full understanding of the goals of language learning in current situations and reality. Future research should extend to investigate a broader sample of students in other schools or institutions where English has been used a medium of instruction or as a foreign language.