Finding purpose in ELT: An ikigai exploration of social ad emotional dimensions

In this blog, I explore the concept of Ikigai as a possible tool for critically examining the social and emotional dimension of life in English Language Teaching (ELT). This exploration may hold particular relevance for those seeking a just and sustainable existence in a field deeply committed to addressing a world entrenched in inequity and language injustice.

The ever-changing landscape of ELT
ELT is undergoing significant transformations due to its volatile nature. ELT professionals face challenges such as a decreasing number of full-time positions, job insecurity, and shifting student demographics with evolving skill demands, not to mention the entangled role of English as a peacekeeping vision in our global era. These circumstances emphasize the crucial importance of self-care and emotional nurturing, especially for BIPOC professionals in the field. Moreover, emotional well-being is equally vital for students who find themselves adapting to environments ingrained with racism and colonial mindsets in the school system. While Social Emotional Learning (SEL) can serve as a valuable tool for individuals navigating this new landscape, its current paradigm falls short in addressing the sociolinguistic structure and integrating cultural and social considerations effectively. Though social awareness is an essential aspect of SEL, it often lacks the necessary tools to help individuals understand the roots of their emotions and their connections to social realities.

ELT and the pursuit of emotional justice
Efforts have been made to reconcile SEL with the need for criticality in ELT. Recognizing that social justice without considering its social and emotional dimensions is not sustainable or genuine justice, some argue that SEL tends to overlook the social dimensions of our emotional states and existence. For instance, feelings of anger and frustration can be responses to enduring inequitable situations or economic duress. By merely conceptualizing these emotions as issues to manage, we miss opportunities for empowerment and fail to address the underlying social injustices.

My personal quest for meaning and purpose
This exploration extends beyond academia for me and has become an existential quest for meaning and purpose. For years, as an ELT professional, I have dedicated my career to understanding my experiences as a BIPOC individual in an environment deeply ingrained with monolingual, colonial mindsets. It took years to navigate and cope with feelings of inferiority and imposter syndrome, and to acknowledge the emotional labor I had to endure while seeking justice and equity in the ELT life and practice. Theoretical frameworks such as critical pedagogies and critical race theories played vital roles in empowering me to embrace myself and navigate various situations.

Balancing social justice and economic realities
Within this discourse, it is important not to overlook individual material and economic needs in our career pursuits. Pursuing social justice and equity may come at a social and economic cost, and ignoring this aspect could undermine the sustainability of social movements. Additionally, we need to restore and recognize the social emotional learning of our social struggle, fostering a sense of social justice as an inner drive connected to self-love. Unfortunately, SEL has faced criticism for losing sight of the bigger picture and assuming an optimal state of mind or emotion, neglecting racial biases and becoming a source of oppression for those unable to achieve this expected state.

Ikigai: synthesizing SEL and criticality
Recently, I was introduced to the concept of Ikigai through a dear friend, Yousra Ferchichi for her Ikigai podcast. Ikigai celebrates life and joy, resonating with my affinity for Japanese and Chinese (or Taiwanese) cultures that I grew up with. I was drawn to the simplicity of living a meaningful life, focusing on intrinsic happiness, sustained joy, and multiple dimensions of being.

Unlike other theoretical frameworks, Ikigai is not afraid to acknowledge our relationship with the material aspects of ourselves. It recognizes economic sustainability as a crucial aspect of overall well-being. Moreover, Ikigai celebrates life as an open journey, eschewing preconceived notions of balance and normalcy.

The organic nature of Ikigai
One of the most attractive aspects of Ikigai is its organic nature. It embraces the messiness of life as beautiful and encourages individuals to work towards simplicity and deeper synthesis. Unlike some SEL models that often treat the self and social as distinct, Ikigai acknowledges their intersection and overlapping nature. Life is viewed as an ongoing project, allowing individuals to navigate and shape their lives amidst the messiness.

In my interview with Yousra, I shared my struggles with deficit mindsets and how I moved towards affirming myself. I also discussed my efforts to integrate multilingualism and asset-based approaches into ELT, which have become my Ikigai, infusing purposefulness into my life.

If you are interested in learning more, please check out Yousra's interview with me in this YouTube video.