Peter Lang Gmbh, Internationaler Verlag Der Wissenschaften Second Culture Teaching and Learning: An Introduction

This monograph offers an incisive analysis of how the second language learner can achieve cultural proficiency, which is more than a set of rules and facts to be memorized by rote. How can the cultural dimension be taken into account, among the many choices of instructional material and language assessment tools? Is it possible to distinguish levels of cultural competence? How can the degree of cultural proximity between the source language and the target language influence the acquisition process? What strategies should be implemented in order to decode any cultural pitfalls? This handy guide addresses these and many other frequently asked questions underpinning language teaching methodology. Illustrated with a broad range of classroom-based examples, this book presents language as inextricably intertwined with social relations. The variety of languages involved (Chinese, Russian, Arabic, Hungarian, French and English) makes the volume especially attractive for language educators seeking effective teaching strategies in specific local contexts around the globe. Review «This book is [...] a perfect volume for the reader who wishes to gain new insights about culture, particularly the intimate relationship between language and culture, and who wishes to be challenged on virtually every page by the many ideas, theories, and authors that Szende includes in this volume.» (Diane W. Birckbichler, French Review, vol. 89.1 2015) About the Author Thomas Szende is Professor of Hungarian and Applied Linguistics at INALCO (University of Oriental Languages and Civilizations, Paris, France) and Director of the PLIDAM Research Centre (Pluralité des Langues et des Identités: Didactique, Acquisition, Médiations). His research interests include Second Language Acquisition as well as Hungarian Grammar, Bilingual Lexicography and Translation.