Morocco-Turkey VE- Session 4- Group 1 (4 people) by Işıl

Part 1

2025-05-02 18:53:53 UTC

1.a.Their English proficiency might be different than one another.

1.b.The students weren't used to different accents of English.

1.c. They could be shy and anxious to speak with other people from other backgrounds.

2.Their teacher could have stated that there are multiple Englishes and focus on English as a Lingua Franca. This could be done through implicit and explicit ways. ELF emphasizes different world Englishes instead of only Inner Circle Englishes.

3.English only rule constituted a problem for students. If they were able to use their native languages as well, other students could help the speaking student in a way. If the students aren't proficient, L1 could be the solution. "One language only" rule doesn't reflect real-life communication.

4.This rule must be removed for a more effective communication. L1s should be allowed. Also, the teacher could prepare her students for such an interaction beforehand. Translanguaging can be encouraged among the students.

5. It shows that different speakers exist and native speakers and their values aren't the only acceptable ones. It enhances intelligibility and respect towards others.

6.There wouldn't be a rule to limit their communication. I would also try to prepare the students beforehand about the cultures and people they are going to meet. Intercultural competence should be taught.

Vera Potur - Part 2 - Personal Reflection

2025-05-02 19:02:15 UTC

Yes, I did, for instance, at conferences or when I took some international English exams, the speakers were mostly native or from different European countries. It was quite fine talking to them and I did not feel uncomfortable during the talk. I even felt that I spoke much better than usual.
No, never, because I learned and knew that there is no perfect English or one specific English that people speak. Every type of English is accepted and we have to respect each others way of speaking, too.
Yes, I did use Turkish sometimes when I did not remember the English word or translation. It just made it more comfortable to communicate.
It made me feel more connected and more comfortable without any stress. It is quite normal if we do not remember a word or translanguage in general because this is how our brain works if we know different languages.
Definitely they should allow them to use L1 if their level is not so high. Also, give them space to express them freely and allow them to make mistakes. Teacher should know methods to give feedback in order to support learners and not make them anxious. Also, do a lot of speaking exercises can help to build confidence.

Part 2 - Melis Par

2025-05-02 19:02:44 UTC

1.I definitely used and use English in diverse settings. While interacting with people from different backgrounds, English becomes our lingua franca and source of communication.

2.I initially felt pressure to sound native-like, more specifically American-like, but over time, and as I learn about multiple Englishes, I saw that communication comes before sounding native-like. But before, it affected my confidence level as I was worried to sound like a Turkish speaker of English.

3.I have used Turkish to furtherly express myself. With other Turkish L1 speakers, we frequently switch to Turkish. It adds depth to our conversations. But sometimes I switch to my L1 because I cannot find the right word in English. And if I know that the interlocutors can understand my L1, then I switch.

4.It made me more capable in general, but when I struggle to find the correct word in English, I feel a little bit incompetent.

5.Teachers can allow native languages of students in English classes, especially in today's diverse classrooms. It can deepen students' understanding of target language.

ELF Informed Lesson Activity and Policies

2025-05-02 19:37:52 UTC

Activity 1 - This could be an activity for young adults. Students can discuss a piece of literature, like a short story, in both their L1 and L2. According to their first languages, they can form groups and compare the works. Within groups, students can talk in their L1 and L2.

Also, when they report their discussions, they can use both of their languages and if they cannot communicate, they might help one another. Students may choose to translanguage but the use of English while discussing is encouraged as much as possible.

Activity 2 - The students can do presentations to (1) present their cultures and (2) to teach their native languages in a simple way and level. This can increase the respect and cultural appreciation.

Policy - A rule such as "respect one another's mistakes and how their ways of speaking". This rule can be encouraged and turned into a policy over time.