ABSTRACT
The post-method era for English teachers developed as a necessity of the time, as a contra-indicator to the “one-size-fits-all” theory. Consequently, this era is seen as the opposite of the approach and method and requires different parameters in the whole language learning process. Under such circumstances, flexibility and practicality are key issues. This new era would therefore develop new theories of teaching, or a combination of approaches and methods, which would resolve the issues of incompetent language users and linguistic performance i.e. all that the audio-lingual method, for example, failed toaccomplish through drills and repetition. What was actually missing the whole time was the practical usage of the language, in different situations and contexts, outside of the classroom (and a combination of different approaches and methods). Having surrpassed the issue of communicative ability, competence and performance, however, the new era brought with it an even greater challenge: that of communication according to Gen Z and the different varieties that were taught by teachers all over the world. Namely, not only is the English variety an issue- it now includes slang and social media English i.e. a whole new language, which is discovered and used by Gen Z. This paper aims at presenting different factors, different settings and examples which provide evidence that communication nowadys and teaching English is a huge challenge for teachers. A small-case survey with learners of Gen Z is conducted, at two stages and with two different groups, with the aim of comparing not only learner knowledge, but also, the degree to which the words are still present, used and comprehended by them. Namely, the case study ran for two semesters, with different groups of learners, but on the same course. Different words were presented and students were asked to define them and use them in context. Results and the discussion of the findings reveal what is actually the status of learners of English in North Macedonia, the impact of globalization through social media, and a language that is known for the learners more than the actual, formal English that is taught in schools and institutions. The case as soexamines a different challenge, that of slang communication as a new trend in the post-communicative era, with current examples and general knowledge of the issue. The results provide evidence for teachers who have been teaching English their whole lives and who, of course, do not belong to the Gen Z category. Accordingly, effective communication strategies are in conflict with that of what is regarded as trend. The gap of knowledge is greater than one can even imagine.