摘要：English nowadays serves as a global lingua franca (ELF) for diverse ethno-lingua users. This research aims to explore how Southern Thai university student’s view ELF, and its integration into English language teaching (ELT) in Thailand where English is used as a foreign language (EFL). 250 students from five southern-Thai universities purposely participated in questionnaires data collection, out of which 15 were selected for interviews. Descriptive statistics combined with a qualitative content analysis were utilized for data analysis. The findings showed a favorably perception of ELF by most participants. The participants apparently did not feel pressured in adopting native norms or mimic their linguistic patterns. They report that English users should not be penalized for grammatical mistakes nor be compelled to employ inner circle English provided there is no communication breakdown. The students felt comfortable with their Thai English accent as it represents their cultural identity. They opined that non-native English varieties should not be considered problematic for use. They suggested that learning different English varieties is important for intercultural communication. Therefore, ELT should integrate ELF pedagogical policies to promote English diversification and equip students with the changing roles of English.
其他关键词：learning English, perceptions, English as a lingua franca, Thai students, English language teaching
