Constructing an ELF Awareness Measure: Validation Evidence from Iranian EFL Teachers and Its Association with Their Self-efficacy

Shadmehr, Maedeh; Bagherkazemi, Marzieh; Mowlaie, Bahram

doi:10.22034/ijpie.2025.554775.1152

Constructing an ELF Awareness Measure: Validation Evidence from Iranian EFL Teachers and Its Association with Their Self-efficacy

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Maedeh Shadmehr

Marzieh Bagherkazemi

Bahram Mowlaie

Department of English Language Teaching, Faculty of Islamic Education, ST.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

10.22034/ijpie.2025.554775.1152

Abstract

Abstract

Research on English as a Lingua Franca (ELF) in language teaching has increased significantly due to its importance in facilitating communication among speakers from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. However, the construct of ELF awareness among Iranian English as a foreign language teachers and its relationship with their self-efficacy beliefs is still unknown. This study involved the development and validation of a 41-item language teachers’ ELF awareness inventory (TELFAI) with 198 convenience sampled Iranian EFL teachers. The exploratory factor analysis results showed its four-component construct including perceptions about ELF-informed ELT practices (17 items), nativespeakerism (8 items), English language varieties (10 items), and ELF-informed teacher education (6 items). As the study’s second aim, the relationship between 96 convenience sampled EFL teachers’ TELFAI scores and their teaching self-efficacy beliefs was investigated through a Pearson correlation. The results revealed a positive, but moderate, relationship. The study provides insights into ELF awareness and its impact on teachers’ characteristics such as self-efficacy and also practices. It supports educators in designing better training courses, benefits learners through improved instruction, and aids policymakers in developing relevant language education policies.

Keywords

Keywords: English as a Lingua Franca (ELF)

Nativespeakerism

Teachers’ ELF-Awareness Inventory (TELFAI)

Teachers’ self-efficacy

Subjects