The Push for Authenticity
Since the language classroom is intended as a preparation for survival in the real
world and since real communication is a defining characteristic of CLT, an issue
which soon emerged was the relationship between classroom activities and real
life. Some argued that classroom activities should as far as possible mirror the
real world and use real world or “authentic” sources as the basis for classroom
learning. Clarke and Silberstein (1977, 51) thus argued:
Classroom activities should parallel the “real world” as closely as
possible. Since language is a tool of communication, methods and
materials should concentrate on the message and not the medium.
The purposes of reading should be the same in class as they are in
real life.
Arguments in favor of the use of authentic materials include:
J They provide cultural information about the target language.
J They provide exposure to real language.
J They relate more closely to learners’ needs.
J They support a more creative approach to teaching.