Exploring The Role of Authentic Texts in ESL

Mekhriban Alimbetova

doi:10.2024/xrnjbd67

Authors

Mekhriban Alimbetova Phd student of NSPI named after Ajiniyaz Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.2024/xrnjbd67

Keywords:

Authentic texts (ATs), pedagogical texts, Communicative Language Teaching (CLT), second language (L2) instruction, language usage vs. language use, socio-cultural context, real-life language

Abstract

This article examines the distinction between authentic texts (ATs) and pedagogical texts in the context of second language (L2) instruction, within the framework of Communicative Language Teaching (CLT). Pedagogical texts, designed specifically for L2 learners, are often critiqued for their failure to represent real-life language use. In contrast, ATs are created for genuine communicative purposes and exhibit natural language use. The article explores the key difference between “language usage” and “language use,” and discusses how pedagogical texts often focus on teaching formal language structures, whereas ATs emphasize real communicative interactions. It also highlights the importance of socio-cultural contexts in defining the authenticity of texts. The study concludes that authentic texts are those written to achieve specific communicative intentions within a community, rather than being exclusively produced for language learning purposes.

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