English has traditionally been taught as a foreign or second language. However, the rise in non-native speakers confirms its status as English as a Lingua franca (ELF). As universities evolve into multicultural hubs, the perception of English significantly shapes pedagogical approaches. This study investigates intensive language program curricula and materials, specifically evaluating how lecturers perceive the role of ELF within their academic contexts.
While existing literature mainly targets primary and secondary education, this research incorporates cross-cultural perspectives by selecting five public university lecturers from Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Croatia, Hungary, and Turkey. Adopting an in-depth qualitative case study method, semi-structured interviews were conducted centered on three lesson plans, each incorporating elements of various English(es). Using MAXQDA, four main themes (materials, practices, exercises, and assignments) were identified and analyzed. The findings reveal a geographic divergence in pedagogical preferences. Participants from Turkey, Bulgaria, and the Czech Republic demonstrated a greater inclination toward implementing lingua ELF-oriented lesson plan, whereas lecturers from Croatia and Hungary favored a second-language-oriented approach. Interestingly, despite varying levels of openness, none of the participants expressed an interest in fully adopting a purely English as a Lingua Franca based lesson plan. The demand for high-level academic skills and the dominance of foreign materials restrict the implementation of ELF-based practices in higher education. However, a consensus emerged on prioritizing communicative competence and diverse accents to reflect the global reality of English. This study highlights the need for flexible curricula bridging the gap between formal accuracy and practical usage.

Authors:
Nesrin Neslihan Kocuk, Istanbul Nisantasi University, Türkiye
Pınar Baskan, Marmara University, Türkiye
Seyfi Kenan, Marmara University, Türkiye

About the Presenter(s)
Nesrin Neslihan KOCUK is working in Istanbul Nisantasi University, Turkey as English Language Lecturer. She is interested in Language Learning-Internationalization and Curriculum Design currently studying Instruction and Curriculum Design.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Monday Schedule

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