Pre-service English teachers’ perspectives on global Englishes in Banda Aceh, Indonesia

The role of English as a global language has sparked debates in English Language Teaching (ELT), particularly within the context of World Englishes. This study investigates Indonesian pre-service teachers’ perceptions of five key issues: English as a global language, language ownership, native versus non-native speaker status, cultural content in ELT, and the appropriateness of teaching methods and materials. The study was conducted in Banda Aceh and used a mixed-methods approach, combining questionnaires and semi-structured interviews with 15 participants. The findings show that while participants recognize the global importance of English, they express concerns about its dominance over local languages and cultures. Native speakerism is contested; some value native speakers’ linguistic accuracy, while others prioritize teaching ability. The participants note challenges in adapting Western materials to local contexts and encourage a hybrid approach combining global perspectives with local relevance. They find that English teaching should be more flexible and inclusive to help students understand global English while valuing local cultures.