The Role of Language Education in the Ecological Crisis: An Ecocritical Perspective


DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53032/tcl.2025.10.2.02Keywords:
Ecocriticism, Language education, Interdisciplinary approach, Environmental awareness, ConsumerismAbstract
This article explores the evolution of language education, emphasizing the need for a more interdisciplinary approach that integrates ecological awareness and global issues into language curricula. Traditionally, language courses have focused primarily on linguistic competence, grammar, and literature, with limited consideration for the broader context in which language exists. In today’s rapidly changing world, characterized by environmental crises, technological advancements, and globalization, language education must address these challenges. The article argues that ecological issues, such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation, should be woven into language education to foster global citizenship and a deeper understanding of humanity’s relationship with nature. It highlights the historical exploitation of nature, drawing connections to colonialism, industrialization, and the ongoing ecological crises. By reimagining language courses to include ecocritical perspectives, educators can help students develop both linguistic skills and critical awareness of environmental issues. The article advocates for a shift in how humanity views nature, urging an ecocentric rather than anthropocentric approach, and calls for a rethinking of educational practices that prepare students to confront the ecological challenges of the 21st century.
Downloads
References
Abbey, E. (1995). Eco-defense. In S. Slovic & J. P. O’Grady (Eds.), Literature and environment: A reader on nature and culture (pp. 344-347). Longman.
Armbruster, K. (2014). Crossing an almost unimaginable border. Society & Animals, 22(1), 106- 109. https://doi.org/10.1163/15685306-12341350. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1163/15685306-12341245
Bate, J. (2000). From red to green. In L. Coupe (Ed.), The green studies reader (pp. 167-171). Routledge.
Coupe, L. (2000). General introduction. In The green studies reader (pp. 1-7). Routledge.
Glotfelty, C. (1996). Literary studies in an age of environmental crisis. In C. Glotfelty & H. Fromm (Eds.), The ecocriticism reader: Landmarks in literary ecology (pp. xv-xxxviii). The University of Georgia Press. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-1523-7_15
Guin, U. K. (1987). Buffalo gals, won't you come out tonight. Pomegranate.
Haraway, D. (1993). A cyborg manifesto. In S. During (Ed.), Cultural studies reader (pp. 314-334). Routledge.
Heidegger, M. (2000). …Politically man dwells…. In L. Coupe (Ed.), The green studies reader (pp. 88-95). Routledge.
Hotchman, J. (2000). Green cultural studies. In L. Coupe (Ed.), The green studies reader (pp. 187-192). Routledge.
Hotchman, J. (2009). Androcentrism and anthropocentrism: Parallels and politics. Ethics and Environment, 1(2), 129-148.
Mander, J. (1991). In absence of the sacred: The failure of technology and the survival of the Indian nations. Sierra Club Books.
Murphy, P. D. (2000). Ecofeminist dialogues. In L. Coupe (Ed.), The green studies reader (pp. 193-197). Routledge.
Thomas, E. (2000). Studying nature. In L. Coupe (Ed.), The green studies reader (pp. 66-69). Routledge.
Tondan, R. K. (1989). The Gita: An introduction. In E. Arnold (Ed.), The Bhagavad-Gita: The song celestial (pp. 28-50). Rajendra Publishing House.
Soper, K. (2000). The idea of nature. In L. Coupe (Ed.), The green studies reader (pp. 123-126). Routledge.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
ARK
License
Copyright (c) 2025 The Creative Launcher

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.