THE ROLE OF DIGITAL AUTHENTIC TEXTS IN COMMUNICATIVE LANGUAGE TEACHING (CLT)

This article investigates the impact of digital authentic texts on Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) through a survey of language educators. With the increasing integration of technology in education, the role of authentic digital materials in language instruction has gained prominence. The study reveals that teachers recognize the advantages of incorporating digital authentic texts into CLT, citing heightened student engagement and motivation. These texts offer a conduit for exposing learners to diverse linguistic nuances and cultural contexts, aligning with the communicative competence emphasised in CLT. However, challenges emerged, including difficulties in finding suitable materials, concerns about authenticity, and obstacles related to technology access and proficiency. These findings underline the necessity for ongoing professional development to equip educators with the skills to effectively select and integrate digital authentic texts. Moreover, the study highlights the broader trend of technology integration in language education, emphasising the need for educators to stay abreast of advancements. Overall, the positive impact of digital authentic texts on CLT is evident, providing opportunities for real-world language exposure. Nevertheless, addressing the identified challenges is imperative to fully harness the potential of these materials. As language education evolves in the digital age, continued exploration, collaboration, and professional development will be essential for maximising the benefits of integrating technology and authentic materials into CLT practices. The discussion emphasises the need for a curated database of digital authentic texts and underscores the role of digital authentic texts in enhancing communicative competence in language education.