dogme: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowSpecialist/Technical
Quick answer
What does “dogme” mean?
An approach to language teaching that rejects published textbooks and pre-planned syllabuses, focusing instead on conversation and emergent language from the learners.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An approach to language teaching that rejects published textbooks and pre-planned syllabuses, focusing instead on conversation and emergent language from the learners.
A minimalist and reactive pedagogical movement, originating in ELT (English Language Teaching), which values the learner-generated 'text' of the classroom conversation as the primary material for study and opposes the use of artificial or imported materials.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant national differences in meaning or usage. The term is used identically in UK and US pedagogical circles.
Connotations
Connotes a principled, anti-commercial, often radical stance in teaching. May have positive connotations (innovative, student-centred) or negative ones (dogmatic, unprepared) depending on the speaker's view.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties, confined to professional discourse among language teachers.
Grammar
How to Use “dogme” in a Sentence
[Teach/plan/learn] using DogmeAdhere to DogmeThe principles of Dogme [state/suggest]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dogme” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- To Dogme (verb use is extremely rare and non-standard).
American English
- To Dogme (verb use is extremely rare and non-standard).
adverb
British English
- He teaches Dogme-style. (Note: 'Dogmely' is not a word.)
American English
- They run their classes Dogme-style. (Note: 'Dogmely' is not a word.)
adjective
British English
- Her teaching style is distinctly Dogme.
- He attended a Dogme workshop in Brighton.
American English
- She's a well-known Dogme advocate.
- The conference had a panel on Dogme pedagogy.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in applied linguistics and language teaching research papers and discussions.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Core usage. The primary domain is English Language Teaching (ELT) methodology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “dogme”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “dogme”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dogme”
- Using it uncapitalised ('dogme').
- Using it as a general adjective (e.g., 'a dogme teacher' is acceptable, but 'his style is very dogme' is non-standard).
- Confusing it with the unrelated Danish film movement 'Dogme 95'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While Dogme rejects a pre-determined syllabus, it advocates for careful, reactive planning based on learner input, not a complete absence of planning.
It was coined by Scott Thornbury in 2000, playfully named after the minimalist Danish film movement 'Dogme 95', which had strict rules against artificial props and effects.
The core tenet is 'materials-light'. The primary material is the language produced by the people in the room. Objects from the classroom or a student's phone might be used, but imported textbooks and worksheets are avoided.
It originated in ELT and is most discussed there, but its principles have been explored and applied in the teaching of other languages as well.
An approach to language teaching that rejects published textbooks and pre-planned syllabuses, focusing instead on conversation and emergent language from the learners.
Dogme is usually specialist/technical in register.
Dogme: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdɒɡmə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdɔːɡmə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a teacher throwing away the textbook (DOGma) and just talking with students. DOGME sounds like 'dogma' – a set of principles you stick to, which fits its methodological nature.
Conceptual Metaphor
TEACHING IS A CONVERSATION (not a product consumption).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'Dogme' primarily used?