Multi-Competence, ELF, Learning and Literacy: A Reconsideration

Abstract

Cook’s multi-competence model is taken as a basis for an approach to English education, taking advantage of bi-and multilingual learners’ competences in other languages. This perspective mirrors what happens in English as lingua franca (ELF) situationsand also in approaches to literacy education. In the latter, learners bring to the learning their pre-existing skills, knowledge and attitudes. Further, in the present digital age, learners frequently possess higher digital literacies than teachers, partly because they engage with electronic media and communication channels in their normal lives, which again is part of new multilingual and transnational online cultures. While traditional types of language learning are recommended to be maintained, the utility of bringing local language and literacy practices together with learners’ own knowledge and skills is recommended for current and future learning of English. It is suggested that this approach is appropriate for new digital and other literacies relevant to modern information processing and communications technology.