Standard or global? Turkish EFL students’ views on English varieties and cultural integration

İngilizce (OpenAlex)

As English continues to serve as a global medium of communication, understanding how learners conceptualize its international role has significant implications for pedagogy and curriculum design. This study examines Turkish EFL students’ perceptions of English as an International Language (EIL) and their attitudes towards language varieties, cultural content, and pronunciation norms. Using an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design, the research collected quantitative data from 308 preparatory programme students at a state university in Ankara, followed by qualitative interviews with 16 students to explain the survey findings. Findings indicate that while students recognize English as a global lingua franca, they prefer British and American English varieties, largely due to the perceived difficulty of including diverse English varieties and adherence to standard language norms. Students generally view themselves as competent intercultural communicators; however, their views on cultural integration differ, with some valuing British and American cultures and others favouring broader representation of world cultures. Although intelligibility is prioritized over native-like pronunciation, some learners still associate native accents with higher prestige and professional advantage. These findings reveal tension between EIL-oriented pedagogy and learners’ expectations, underscoring the need for reflective, inclusive English language teaching that balances global communication goals with learners’ linguistic and cultural preferences.