Authenticity in Language Learning: Definitions and Implications for Teaching Materials
Keywords:
authenticity, authentic materials, classroom management, data collection, teaching resources, online English dictionaries, lesson objectives.Abstract
The article aims to define the term authenticity, distinguish between authentic tasks and materials, and clarify how it differs from related concepts. Drawing on prominent sources, various definitions of “authenticity” are discussed, and scholars’ perspectives on designing and using authentic materials in English lessons are presented. The study emphasizes the importance of understanding authenticity for selecting and implementing effective language teaching materials that reflect real-world usage.
References
Gatehouse K. “Key issues in English for Specific Purposes: (ESP) Curriculum development”; Developing language teachers for a changing world. pp.105-123. Lincolnwood, IL: National Textbook Company.
Gilmore, A. (2004). A comparison of textbook and authentic interactions. English Language Teaching Journal, 58(4), 363-374.
Homolova E. (1995). Creative Approach to Authentic Materials in ESL. Issues in Applied Linguistics, 6(2), 37-62.
Jennings, M., J. Fox, B. Graves and E. Shohamy. The test-taker’s choice: an investigation of the effect of topic on language speaking test-performance. Language Testing 16: 426-456.
Ji Lingzhu and Zhang Yuanyuan (2010),Getting real in the language classroom: Developing EFL students’ communicative competence with authentic materials. Nottingham University.
Downloads
Additional Files
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Both journal and authors
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.