The EFL Teacher: A Cultural Mediator and A Facilitator

Abstract

The new realities of this era of globalization have made it imperative to reconsider the way foreign languages are taught. Teaching a foreign language effectively must be preceded with a thorough analysis of the learner’s needs. Today’s learner is a future global citizen who will have to effectively integrate into the global community and be part of a fiercely competitive global job market. Language teachers must understand that a teacher-centred class where the predominant concern is with grammar and vocabulary does no longer live up to expectations. The language teacher required in this era of globalization should be conceived of as an agent able to effectively play the role of a cultural mediator. The language teacher must also be a facilitator able to walk the learner through the process of developing his/her interpersonal and communication skills.

Keywords: Language teacher; Cultural mediator; Facilitator.

DOI: 10.7176/JEP/10-17-09

Publication date:June 30^th 2019