English Language Teaching in Buddhist Monastic Schools: Developing Skills to Connect Buddhism with the Global World

Abstract

This article explains the conceptual foundations of English language teaching in the Thai education context, the principles and aims of Pariyatti (monastic) education, approaches to integrating English with Buddhism, the current status of English curricula in Pariyatti schools, and strategies for enhancing learners’ English proficiency in this setting. The synthesis indicates a key strength: linking language learning to religious activities, which raises motivation and improves communicative skills. Major constraints include limited contact hours, teachers’ insufficient communicative pedagogy, scarce digital resources, and few authentic opportunities to use English. The paper proposes development directions: upskilling teachers and leveraging educational technology; designing curricula and materials grounded in Buddhist content; creating authentic use opportunities through projects and real-world tasks; and instituting competency-based assessment. The conclusion underscores that making English an integral part of Buddhist learning and students’ daily lives is pivotal for cultivating communicative competence together with moral virtues, thereby preparing novices and monks to act as cultural and religious ambassadors in a global society.