English as Lingua Franca in Study-Abroad Greek Classes
What is it about?
This study examines views and attitudes toward using English as a lingua franca (ELF), that is, English as a shared bridge language among non-native speakers, in teaching beginner L2 Greek to Erasmus students in Greece. Through questionnaires, teacher interviews, and classroom observations, it reveals positive attitudes: ELF aids explanations, instructions, and inclusivity in multilingual classes, especially early on. Both students and teachers value ELF for building confidence, but favor shifting to more Greek as proficiency grows.
Why is it important?
Findings support the multilingual turn in education, promoting plurilingualism via strategic ELF use in diverse study-abroad settings. It offers practical pedagogy for L2 Greek instructors, aligning with EU Erasmus goals amid rising international mobility in Greece.