AUTHENTIC MATERIALS AND CULTURAL CONTENT IN EFL CLASSROOMS
By: Professor Sandra Araya Acuña
http://www.guapilesenglishadvisory.blogspot.com/

Authentic material is defined as authentic texts which are designed for native speakers, they are real text; designed not for language students, but for the speakers of the language.

Using authentic material in the classroom is significant for many reasons. First, students are exposed to real language. Second, the same piece of material can be used under different circumstances if the task is different. Third, language change is reflected in the materials, so it keeps people up-dated or aware of such changes. Finally, it keeps students informed about what is happening in the world.

As for disadvantages, I can mention that they may be too culturally biased, so they can be difficult to understand outside the language community. Also, special preparation is necessary which can be done time consuming. Finally, students with lower level of the language may have a hard time understanding the material presented.

This material requires the teacher to act as a filter to ensure that students can comprehend it through selection of the linguistic objectives that have to be accomplished.