Perceptions and practices of English language instructors on elf and elf-related issues in Turkish higher education context

Due to changes and improvements in the world, English has reached lingua franca status, which induced plenty of researchers and scholars to focus on English as a lingua franca (ELF). Hence, the number of studies about ELF and ELF-related issues has increased. However, classroom practices of language instructors about ELF perception have been very few in the area. Therefore, this mixed methods sequential explanatory study investigates perceptions of language instructors based on ELF and ELF-related issues, respectively cultural aspects in English language teaching, Standard English and World Englishes, and the dichotomy of native and non-native speakers. It also aims to observe classroom practices of instructors in an ELF context. The quantitative data of the study were obtained through a close-ended questionnaire from 36 English language instructors working at the preparatory school of Çağ University during the Fall Term of 2017-2018 Academic Year. The qualitative data were collected via classroom observation and semi-structured interview conducted with six volunteer instructors. The findings of the study revealed that most of the participants are familiar with ELF and disposed to integrate ELF in their classes. A good number of the instructors consider the integration of cultural elements into classes is crucial for an effective language learning environment. Plenty of the instructors prefer to use Standard English while speaking although they do not encourage students to use SE. Additionally, quite a few instructors mentioned language learners should be familiar with different uses of English in the world. Their classroom practices were also consistent with their views since they focus on communication rather than native norms and integrate different cultures in classrooms. This study has several implications for language learners, language teachers/instructors, department heads and staff, materials developers and curriculum designers. Keywords: ELT, ELF, ELF related issues, classroom practices.