Rethinking English Language Teaching (ELT) for the Future

Abstract Book of the 12th International Conference on Social Sciences, Humanities and Education

Year: 2026

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Rethinking English Language Teaching (ELT) for the Future

Prof. Veronika Kareva

ABSTRACT:

English Language Teaching (ELT), like all educational disciplines, must continually adapt to global and societal transformations in order to fulfill its mission of fostering intercultural communication and preparing responsible citizens for a sustainable future. Despite the widespread early acquisition of English through smartphones and the Internet, ELT must remain engaging and relevant to learners. This paper examines the evolving role of ELT and traces its most significant developments since English emerged as a global lingua franca. It explores how this shift has reshaped the purposes and practices of ELT, particularly in response to societal change and the growing influence of digital technologies on learners. Building on this analysis, the study proposes recommendations for rethinking ELT in ways that advance global citizenship, inclusivity, and intercultural competence. The methodology combines a review of relevant literature with interviews conducted with English teachers and discussions with students of English Language and Literature at the South East European University (SEEU) in North Macedonia.

Keywords: ELT, Future, Approach, Lingua Franca, Global