Toward English as an International Language Perspective: Reconception of ‘Proficiency in English’ for the Indonesian Local Context in Today’s World

Abstract

For many years, English Language Teaching (henceforth ELT) in Indonesia has adopted a monolithic view toward the so-called ‘native speaker English’ as an ideal target language. However, this view has been challenged by the pluralistic view of English. Sociolinguistics realities indicate the plurality of the English language has grown enormously around the world. In term of English proficiency, this notion is made more complicated in the absence of any unitary framework and by the diverse meanings arising from in its use as a global language. The aim of this study is to identify the attributes of ‘Proficiency in English’ which suits with the local needs for the Indonesian context in today’s world. To this end, the personal constructs of a small number of English teachers were explored and identified. A Repertory Grid interview technique was used to elicit the meanings of ‘Proficiency in English’ which were based on the teachers’ understanding. For analyzing the qualitative data, a thematic analysis was employed to formulate the themes. These teachers of English revealed that they perceived ‘Proficiency in English’ comprising knowledge of English and abilities to apply it in real situations. Surprisingly, they also declared that to be proficient in English, one should have intercultural competence and employ it for the intercultural and cross-cultural communications internationally which has been advocated by the English as an International language (henceforth EIL) perspective. The findings of this study could be used to inform ELT program and its practices in the Indonesian context.

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