Not all differences in pronunciation are relevant in successful communication.
ELF - intelligibility is key!
You learn about other cultures, not only the one(s) from the dominant country.
ELF - multicultural awareness is fostered
Idioms and culturally-bound expressions are studied as vocabulary.
EFL - students should sound like natives.
Mistakes are seen as something to be fixed. Following the norm is important.
EFL - native speakers own the language
English native speakers are role models for both teachers and students.
EFL - native-like proficiency is the target.
You want to get rid of your accent. Nobody wants to sound like a foreigner.
EFL - the only model to be followed is the native speaker
Exposure to different English varieties is a must.
ELF - The more people you understand, the more people you can communicate with.
Global issues (for example, covid in the world) are considered more relevant than local ones (for example, covid in your town).
EFL - more interest shown in issues related to the dominant countries than in students' own realities
Your country’s celebrations and your own interests are valued because they matter to you.
ELF - students' identity and culture are respected and valued
Listening is considered an active skill.
ELF - communication strategies should be taught so that the listener takes responsibility for understanding the other speaker.
It’s more important to be understood than to speak perfect English.
ELF - intelligibility is the main target
Learning grammar and vocabulary is essential for appropriate communication.
EFL - native speakers provide the norms, learners follow them
Differences are part of your identity. Respect other people’s languages and cultures.
ELF - multicultural awareness and respect for students' identity and background are developed
Differences in pronunciation are considered a problem. You must always adjust your pronunciation to the rules of the dominant variety (North American or British English).
EFL - the only model to be followed is the native speaker
Idiosyncrasies (non-standard language forms) are welcome in communication.
ELF - as long as communication is happening, deviations from the norm are not considered important.
Culture "free/neutral" expressions are studied as vocabulary.
ELF - it might be harder for the interlocutor to understand expressions that have a very specific cultural background, for example, touch base.
Teacher/School chooses one English language variety for students to be exposed to.
EFL - Usually a native variety is chosen, either North American or British English
You learn it to be able to communicate with other foreigners, just like yourself.
ELF - communication strategies are used/taught so that the learner can interact in English
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