Standard English or World English: Finding the Best Way to Teach English

This article explores whether English teachers should focus on a single “Standard English” or embrace the diverse World Englishes spoken around the globe. Research shows that emphasizing only one native-speaker model can set unrealistic goals for learners and even devalue their own ways of speaking. By contrast, acknowledging global English varieties (World Englishes) can empower students and reflect their identities, boosting confidence and motivation. Leading scholars now recommend a balanced approach: tailor the target English to the local teaching context while affirming learners’ own English usage and exposing them to different English accents and dialects. This strategy aligns with modern TESOL values and prepares students for real-world communication.