English Language Teaching and its Impact on Cultural Identity of High School Students in Morocco. A Case Study at the Lycée Mohammed VI d’Excellence

Book excerpt: Bachelor Thesis from the year 2023 in the subject English Language and Literature Studies - Culture and Applied Geography, grade: 16/20, Sultan Moulay Sliman University (Ecole Supérieure de l'Education et de la Formation), course: Immersion internship in the school 2 and Research Paper (PFE), language: English, abstract: This thesis investigates the influence of English language teaching, as a language of globalization, on the cultural identity of high school students in Morocco. Against a backdrop of a complex linguistic landscape, this study navigates the intricacies of language, culture, and education, aiming to contribute to the ongoing discourse surrounding the role of English in a globally connected world. A mixed-methods approach, comprising a questionnaire for students and interviews with teachers from Le Lycée Mohammed VI d'Excellence in Morocco, is utilized for a comprehensive exploration of the research question. While the majority of students reported no direct impact of English language teaching on their cultural identity, a subtle, layered influence was observed through their adoption of Western cultural norms. On the other hand, teachers displayed an acute awareness of the significant influence of globalization on teaching English, emphasizing the intricate link between language and culture. They highlighted the role of English as a conduit for intercultural communication and as a critical tool for fostering cultural understanding. The findings signal both challenges and opportunities, reinforcing the essential role of teachers in facilitating language learning and intercultural competence in an interconnected educational landscape. This monograph underscores the need for further research to delve into the subtleties of students' perceptions and to navigate the complexities inherent in teaching English in a globalized environment, ultimately aiming to offer empirical and theoretical contributions that inform policy and practice in the field of English language teaching.