Pedagogies of Harmonies as Critical Love in English Language Education

Abstract: As societies confront ongoing global instability, English language education faces an urgent responsibility to prepare learners not only for academic success but also for ethical, relational, and human engagement in an uncertain world. Language functions as a powerful medium through which individuals negotiate identity, connection, justice, and belonging, positioning it at the heart of pedagogical transformation. Yet, if language shapes how people make sense of (in)stability, (in)justice, and one another, English language education must move beyond skills-based instruction toward pedagogies grounded in care, relationality, and ethical responsibility. In this special issue, we bring together the concepts of pedagogies, harmonies, and critical love to advance pedagogies of harmonies as a justice-oriented, relational approach aimed at collective healing. Pedagogies of harmonies foreground empathy, inclusivity, and critical engagement with systems of inequity while honoring the complexities of human connection across differences. As editors, our hope is that this special issue sparks sustained dialogue that transcends the boundaries of English language education, advocating for pedagogical practices that cultivate empathy, unity, and meaningful intercultural engagement. By centering pedagogies of harmonies as critical love, this issue invites educators to imagine and enact more humane, just, and connected educational futures.