Communicative ‘success’, creativity and the need for de-mystifying L1 use: Some thoughts on ELF and ELT


Abstract


Abstract – This article tries to make explicit and question some myths about L1 communication that are hidden or implied in statements made about ELF and about language teaching/learning. One of these myths has to do with the nature of communicative ‘success’ that is not rarely equated, in a far too simplistic fashion, with the absence of miscommunication. The second has to do with the nature of creativity and the role that creative intent plays in the evaluation of linguistic products, such as newly coined words, as creative. The contribution identifies and explores the idealized views of L1 communication that these two myths create. It argues that it is essential for ELF research and ELF researchers to recognize these myths and idealizations and to dismantle them, especially with regard to pedagogical implications of ELF.


DOI Code: 10.1285/i22390359v24p37

Keywords: : miscommunication; creativity; ELF; success; myths

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