Deconstructing the evolving roles of English language educators in the 21st century

Abstract

Submitted: 18 April 2020 Accepted: 09 May 2020 The English language is lingua franca, and although perceived as the global language of modernity and success, its viral spread has inadvertently created marginalizing socioeconomic inequalities. This position paper argues that English language educators in higher education should take a more active role in promoting and implementing University Social Responsibility (USR) programs. English teachers need not limit their focus on language teaching and cross-cultural communication but, at the same time, take on other roles aimed at addressing the needs of the marginalized.