Technology, Techne and Lexis. Teaching English in a transformed world.

This paper grapples with transformations in education: the result of the COVID-19 pandemic, warfare in Europe and severe economic hardship. Skilful adaptation of techniques during lockdown, and adept adjustments to hybrid teaching contexts are not enough to alleviate the crisis. Drawing on classroom experience and theory, the paper suggests that being tech-savvy is merely the beginning of our journey as language teachers. We must use technology wisely. Language offers an understanding of this, and a reflective critique of our actions. This implies developed language use, since skilled practitioners apply their abilities in any environment and describe problems they encounter. ELT must face the issues raised by Phillipson (Linguistic Imperialism), and tackle legitimate questions presented by the ELF movement and multilingualism to redefine language education.