Current Trends and Issues in English Language Education in Iran

Abstract

This study investigated current trends and issues in English language education in Iran through
examining and analyzing a series of articles by several scholars and educators both inside and
outside of the country. The paper brings two major issues under light: Political and economic
context of the English language and teaching English as an international language in Iran. The
first part of the paper aims to clarify the socio-economic agents that motivate Iranian university
students to learn English. Elaborating on the concepts of international posture, ideal self and
imagined communities, it describes how the Iranian political context has contributed to
increasing students’ desire to improve their English in order to develop their career prospects,
to be recognized as members of the international community and to contribute to the
development of their country. In the second part of the paper English language education in Iran
is briefly and tacitly described, the concept of English as an international language (EIL) is
elaborated, the importance of culture in EIL, and the role of literature in language teaching from
the aspect of cultural awareness are analyzed. Then the advantages of including migrant
literature in English language classes in Iran are mentioned with a focus on Iranian migrant
literature, providing pedagogical examples of ‘authentic’ texts to illustrate the argument.
Finally, important factors in the selection of literary materials in order to develop intercultural
competence in language learning classrooms are pointed out.