Acceso usuarios
Tamilla Mammadova
The collapse of the Soviet Union triggered profound political, economic, social, and educational changes across its former republics, with Azerbaijan at the center of this study. Among these shifts, education, particularly English language teaching (ELT), has seen the most significant transformation. Over the past two-three decades, ELT in Azerbaijan has evolved dramatically, mirroring broader trends of internationalization in higher education (HE). This paper identifies three key stages in the development of English language education, discussed in the theoretical framework. The methodological section focuses on the current role of English in Azerbaijani HE, analyzing language policy trends and decision-making aimed at enhancing ELT. Specifically, the study conducts a contextual analysis of the National Higher Education Action Plan (NHEAP) and incorporates semi-structured interviews with sixteen policymakers and state officials. Through a qualitative lens, the research explores how English is positioned among other foreign languages and examines its growing role in EMI (English Medium of Instruction) within universities. The findings offer insights into the strategic value of English in national education policy, highlighting its importance for advancing academic goals and increasing global engagement. Ultimately, the study sheds light on how English serves both local development priorities and the demands of an interconnected world.
