Developing intercultural competence by teaching literature

This study investigates the use of literary texts for intercultural learning using a Master course of English as a foreign language in Algeria as an empirical example. We first define essential concepts that guided this course -'culture', 'language-culture nexus' and 'interc...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Nemouchi, Lamia, Byram, Michael
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Fecha de publicación:2019
País:España
Institución:Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
Repositorio:Dipòsit Digital de Documents de la UAB
Idioma:inglés
OAI Identifier:oai:ddd.uab.cat:224997
Acceso en línea:https://ddd.uab.cat/record/224997
https://dx.doi.org/urn:doi:10.5565/rev/languesparole.56
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Intercultural communicative competence
Literature and intercultural competence
Literary texts in translation
Aesthetic reading
Empathy
Literature teaching
Competencia comunicativa intercultural
Literatura y competencia intercultural
Textos literarios en traducción
Lectura estética
Empatía
Enseñanza de la literatura
Compétence communicative interculturelle
Littérature et compétence interculturelle
Textes littéraires en traduction
Lecture esthétique
Empathie
Enseignement de la littérature
Descripción
Sumario:This study investigates the use of literary texts for intercultural learning using a Master course of English as a foreign language in Algeria as an empirical example. We first define essential concepts that guided this course -'culture', 'language-culture nexus' and 'intercultural competence' - before we explain the socio-linguistic and socio-cultural context in Algeria, as it is the foundation of the choice of literary texts. The empirical study was an action research project that took place in two universities. We explain the research methodology and teaching methodology in which lessons were planned on the basis of Byram's model (1997) of intercultural communicative competence. Inthe analysis we draw on the existing literature and extracts from the students' discussions and worksheets to argue for the significance of using literary texts in encouraging 'aesthetic reading' leading to empathetic responses that were significant in developing intercultural communicative competence. Finally, we provide recommendations in terms of theory and practice for teachers and syllabus designers who intend to use literary texts for intercultural learning.