Authentic materials and their impacts on L2 learning

Abstract

This article discusses an acknowledged definition of authentic materials and points out the effects of using them in learning a second language (L2). Many academics have purported the use of authentic materials in the L2 classroom as they are intrinsically more interesting or stimulating than artificial or non-authentic materials. This assertion, however, may not be sufficiently proven in practice. In fact, there is evidence that authentic materials could reduce the levels of learner interest, subject to the specific characteristics of materials employed and that they are not necessarily more interesting. Therefore, it is important that materials chosen for the classroom stimulate learners and this ramification on motivation should be one norm for the selection of materials to be utilised.