Exploring the Possibilities of Nonnative English Teacher in EIL Perspective

Abstract

This study was an attempt to find a way to raise awareness of teaching and learning English as a global language rather than as the mother tongue of a few English speaking countries. In particular, the study explored the possibilities of how nonnative English teachers contribute to promoting English as an international language (EIL) perspective and assist English language learners to attain desirable level of English proficiency with which they are able to fulfill themselves in international communication. Based on the analysis of a questionnaire to see what kinds of attitude EFL learners had on a course in which a nonnative-speaker (NNS) instructor used English as the medium of the class, and how the students evaluated the course, the study suggested that a NNS instructor can provide not only primary linguistic data, but also modeling effects by which the students are encouraged to practice their English acknowledging that a main purpose of learning English is to express themselves without having to necessarily conform to native speakers’ way of using English.