Reflections of Glocalization in Linguistic Landscape: Insights from English Language Teaching Practice in Israel

This chapter delves into the concept of glocalization in English Language Teaching (ELT) through the lens of linguistic landscape (LL). LL, defined as the display of languages in public space, plays a crucial role in conveying information about and symbolizing the power dynamics within linguistic communities sharing the same geographical area. The chapter explores how LL can broaden our understanding of a range of glocal matters including nationalism, consumerism, multiculturalism, cosmopolitanism, and religious traditions. Additionally, it examines how LL can be leveraged as a rich resource for language learning purposes, providing authentic and contextualized language materials, and for promoting a variety of linguistic and cultural values. Three sample LL task-based language learning activities from the Israeli multilingual context are presented, emphasizing the recognition and respect for local cultures and differences alongside upholding aspects of a global identity, while highlighting parallel target, learners’ own and international culture elements in LL-based pedagogies. Despite their focus on Israel’s LL, these samples offer ELT professionals a model to employ their social and pedagogical agency in crafting materials reflecting glocalization tailored to local cultures and languages.