DEFINING EFFECTIVE LANGUAGE TEACHING: Making It Meaningful

This chapter explores the intricate interplay between language teaching and the construction of meaning, illuminating how evolving theories and practices in language education reflect a shift from traditional linguistic proficiency to a broader emphasis on inter-/transcultural and symbolic competences. By tracing the historical developments in language pedagogy, the chapter highlights the necessity of placing meaning at the forefront of language teaching and learning processes. It examines the implications of this meaning-centered approach for language programs, curriculum development, and the professional growth of educators, underscoring the need for responsive and inclusive practices that recognize diverse and complex identities of learners and teachers. Through practical examples rooted in applied linguistics scholarship, the chapter emphasizes the importance of fostering a classroom environment where meaning making is collaborative, dynamic, and transformative. Ultimately, it poses critical questions for language practitioners about the future trajectory of meaning-oriented language teaching, encouraging ongoing reflection and adaptation in the face of an ever-evolving linguistic and cultural landscape.