Communication in Context: Critical Incidents for Raising Cultural Awareness

by Andrew Reimann

The role of culture as an integral part of language teaching has recently become increasingly important and significant. However, it remains ambiguous and challenging in that there is little consensus on how or what aspects of culture to incorporate. Often materials dealing with culture rely on overt examples of “tourist culture” taken out of context and requiring the teacher’s background and personal experience, for qualification and grounding. Such approaches can be biased and as a result students have difficulty making their own interpretations and tend to create an “us and them” world view and perspective, which does little more than reinforce stereotypes and communication barriers.This textbook aims at addressing the need for more balanced and practical cultural learning, in order to raise student’s awareness levels and develop real intercultural communicative competence. Focusing on activities, both inside and outside the classroom, viable and effective student centered and generated approaches to cultural understanding are presented. Applying ethnographic research methods students engage, explore and interact with other cultures locally. Materials included avoid directly or overtly referencing cultural information such as proper names, places, nationalities or languages. This information tends to appeal to students preconceptions and crystalizes already held beliefs, expectations and stereotypes. The absence of cultural signposts allows students to form their own conclusions and interpret material openly, honestly and without bias. As students are in charge and free to shape their own perspectives, they are able to reach a 3rd place identity or neutral position, from which to objectively observe differences, create their own unique, world view and ultimately become more sensitive, tolerant, open-minded and compassionate communicators.This text aims to engage students with interesting and relevant content, provide opportunities for reflection, critical thinking, evaluation and self-exploration. Exercises and activities build research skills and a sense of curiosity that will motivate and facilitate students in extending their inquiry and interests beyond the classroom. As a predominantly student centered text, students are expected to provide much of the information and questions steering the lessons towards their own goals while the teacher assumes the role of facilitator, guide and mentor.

Kindle Edition

First published March 10, 2015