English language education and decoloniality: reflections and practices in the university context

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.26512/1677-9797X2026e57528

Keywords:

English language education, Decoloniality, University curriculum, Pedagogical practices

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The teaching English in the Faculty of Arts Courses often reproduces a hegemonic vision that can reinforce anglophone cultural domination. In the university context, especially in the 6º period of a literature Course at a state university in the interior of Goiás, the need arises to reevaluate and transform these pedagogical practices in light of the principles of decoloniality. This article explores reflections and practices related to the decolonization of English language education, highlighting how these approaches can be implemented in the university curriculum to promote a more inclusive and equitable education. Through a critical analysis of current educational practices and the experiences of teachers and students, the study investigates how the decolonial perspective can influence language teaching, addressing aspects such as cultural diversity, the cultural diversity reviewing curricular content and adapting pedagogical methodologies. The objective is to highlight the possibilities and challenges faced in implementing these practices, offering insights into constructing a more plural and reflective academic environment. This article contributes to the discussion on the need for a critical approach to English language teaching, providing recommendations for an education that values ​​and respects cultural and linguistic diversity, and promoting a significant change in the training of future educators.

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Author Biographies

Dayanny Marins Coelho, Federal University of Goiás

PhD candidate in Linguistic Studies at the Federal University of Goiás (UFG) since 2021. Holds a Master's degree in Language Studies from the same university (2018). Specialist in Higher Education Teaching from Apogeu College (2012) and in Languages and Teaching Practices from the State University of Goiás (UEG) (2023). Graduated in Languages from the State University of Goiás (UEG) (2010). Currently researches Language Teaching and Learning. Since 2020, has been a member of the Transição study group, coordinated by Rosane Rocha Pessoa (UFG) and Viviane Pires Viana Silvestre (UEG).

Samara Leandro de Oliveira, Federal University of Goiás

Master in Letters and Linguistics (2024) from the Postgraduate Program in Letters and Linguistics (PPGLL) at the Federal University of Goiás (UFG). Holds a degree in Pedagogy (2020) and in Letters: Portuguese and English Languages and their Literatures (2018) from the State University of Goiás (UEG). Specialist in Literacy and Letramento (2022) from Faculdade Pitágoras Anhanguera Unopar and in English Language (2020) from Faculdade Venda Nova do Imigrante. Member of the Language Processing Laboratory (LAPROLIN) at UFG (2023–present), focusing on Second Language Acquisition (SLA). Has experience in phonological acquisition of a Second Language (L2), with an emphasis on experimental acoustic phonetics, working with English, Spanish, and Brazilian Portuguese. Research interests include explicit instruction, perceptual training of phonetic-phonological aspects, phonological theory, analysis models, teaching materials for pronunciation instruction, and cognitive approaches to language acquisition.

References

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WALSH, Catherine. Decolonising the curriculum. London: Routledge, 2018.

Published

2026-04-13

How to Cite

MARINS COELHO, Dayanny; LEANDRO DE OLIVEIRA, Samara. English language education and decoloniality: reflections and practices in the university context. Revista Desempenho, [S. l.], v. 1, n. 36, p. 44–61, 2026. DOI: 10.26512/1677-9797X2026e57528. Disponível em: https://periodicos.unb.br/index.php/rd/article/view/57528. Acesso em: 17 apr. 2026.

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