The Absence of the White Elephant in the Language Classroom: Pedagogical Implications for Second Language Acquisition

This article critiques the overreliance on technology in second language instruction, particularly within the framework of Communicative Language Teaching (CLT). Arguing that excessive technological integration can hinder rather than help language acquisition, the paper advocates for a re-centering of the human and interactive elements of language learning. Emphasis is placed on deliberate practice, contextual learning, and the cognitive benefits of traditional tools such as handwriting. The argument is grounded in current pedagogical theory and supported by empirical findings.

Authors

Publication Details

Journal
International Journal of Humanities and Social Science
Published
2025-04-28
DOI
https://doi.org/10.30845/ijhss.v15p9
Primary Topic
EFL/ESL Teaching and Learning
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

The Absence of the White Elephant in the Language Classroom: Pedagogical Implications for Second Language Acquisition

Anahit Hakoupian
International Journal of Humanities and Social Science
EFL/ESL Teaching and Learning
article

The Absence of the White Elephant in the Language Classroom: Pedagogical Implications for Second Language Acquisition

Anahit Hakoupian
article en

Abstract

This article critiques the overreliance on technology in second language instruction, particularly within the framework of Communicative Language Teaching (CLT). Arguing that excessive technological integration can hinder rather than help language acquisition, the paper advocates for a re-centering of the human and interactive elements of language learning. Emphasis is placed on deliberate practice, contextual learning, and the cognitive benefits of traditional tools such as handwriting. The argument is grounded in current pedagogical theory and supported by empirical findings.

International Journal of Humanities and Social Science
Openalex Percentile: Top 70%
EFL/ESL Teaching and Learning
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The Absence of the White Elephant in the Language Classroom: Pedagogical Implications for Second Language Acquisition — Anahit Hakoupian · International Journal of Humanities and Social Science (2025) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS