LinguaFolio® Training Resources
Training modules to show how to implement LinguaFolio®
5.5 Interculturality and Language Learning
Interculturality assumes an awareness and respect for others and their differences. It demonstrates an ability to negotiate language meaning and usage based on cultural understanding and responsiveness.
In order to develop interculturality in learners, teachers guide them to focus on the three essential elements of interculturality:
1. Use of the target language
2. Interactions with speakers of that language
3. Engagement with the culture in which the speakers live, including use of authentic cultural products
Understanding interculturality requires that language learners:
- Reflect on their reaction to the other speaker
- Identify and understand their own culture
- Accept the other’s right to be different or similar
- Negotiate common ground
Students should be taught to listen for the target language outside of class and recognize speakers of the language. They should also become aware of authentic products as they encounter them in the community and on the television or internet. Encourage them to think about how they react to people and things that are different, that possess different values or opinions, and that share similar characteristics. If language learners can understand what makes them the way they are, they can better understand that others are different because of their history or environment. Once speakers understand differences, they are more likely to accept others’ rights to be different.
In this video, one student reacts to interculturality.
Watch video here
Video transcript: “Interculturality and Language Learning: One Student Reacts to Interculturality” (pdf)