Does it Work? Implementing Communicative Language Teaching Approach in EFL Context

Abstract

Language teaching is a dynamic filed of education where a cluster of changes have been suggested and implemented over time. Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) approach has been regarded as a harbinger of new era in language teaching. Initiated in the inner circle countries, its effects have now reached to the extreme outer circle countries. Yet, how far CLT approach is beneficial in English as a foreign language (EFL) context is still shrouded in mystery. This is a review article with an attempt to evaluate the feasibility of applying CLT approach in EFL context. To reach a final consideration, it will first explore the characteristics of CLT approach. Then it will analyze some of the prevailing empirical studies in pursuit of applying CLT approach in EFL countries. Finally, it will suggest some remedies to avoid the hurdles in its implementation in EFL context.

Key words: Language teaching, Communicative approach, EFL context