Week 1-2
What is culture? And what cultural practices influence the way we speak in our country?
Culture is the shared knowledge, beliefs, behaviors, and practices of a group.
Religious Influence
Historical and Colonial Impact
Gender Norms
What does ZPD stand for? Who introduced the term?
Founder of social constructivism; introduced the concept of the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD)
Definition: The difference between what a learner can do independently and what they can achieve with guidance
What is an intercultural competence?
Intercultural competence—the ability to communicate appropriately and effectively in diverse cultural contexts. It is essential for effective intercultural communication.
Define Stereotypes and give examples.
Stereotypes are generalized beliefs or assumptions about a group of people. They are often oversimplified and based on limited information.
Example: The belief that all Americans are loud or all Asians are good at math.
Stereotypes can be positive or negative, but even positive stereotypes can be harmful because they reduce individuals to a single characteristic and ignore their uniqueness.
How does social constructivism explain the relationship between language, culture, and learning?
Social constructivism posits that knowledge is constructed through social interaction. Language is a primary medium through which cultural knowledge is shared and learned. This theory suggests that learning occurs in a cultural context where language acts as a bridge between individual cognition and societal norms (Dewey, 2012)
What is scaffolding? Give examples.
Jerome Bruner introduced the term Scaffolding, which means temporary support provided by teachers or peers to help students achieve a task.
• Examples in English Education:
◦ Guiding questions for essay writing.
◦ Peer editing and feedback sessions.
◦ Modeling how to analyze a text.
How can intercultural competence be developed in language learners, and what role do teachers play in this process?
Intercultural competence can be developed through exposure to diverse cultural perspectives, experiential learning, and reflective activities. Teachers play a crucial role by incorporating intercultural communication strategies into curricula and fostering discussions on cultural differences (Byram, 1997).
What does Cultural Awareness involve?
3. Cultural Awareness:
Cultural awareness involves recognizing and understanding the differences and similarities between cultures. It requires an open-minded attitude and a willingness to learn about others.
In language teaching, cultural awareness helps teachers create an inclusive environment where all students feel valued and respected.
Define the mould and Cloak theories.
Mould theories represent language as 'a mould in terms of which thought categories are cast.'
Cloak theories represent the view that 'language is a cloak conforming to the customary categories of thought of its speakers'
How does Social constructivism used in English Classes? What are the benefits of social constructivism in teaching?
Social constructivism is a sociological theory of knowledge that focuses on how individuals collaboratively construct meaning and understanding through social interactions: group projects and presentations; class discussions and debates.
Benefits: Develops critical thinking and communication skills. Encourages active participation and engagement. Builds confidence through collaboration.
What are the key principles of developing intercultural competence?
Developing intercultural competence involves cultivating awareness, attitudes, knowledge, and skills that allow individuals to communicate effectively across cultures. It includes developing empathy, adaptability, and an understanding of cultural diversity (Piller, 2017).
What are the negative effects of Stereotypes?
Prejudice and Discrimination
Prejudice refers to preconceived opinions or attitudes about a group, often based on stereotypes. These attitudes are usually negative and can lead to discrimination.
Define the difference between Whorfian Perspective and Universalism.
The Whorfian perspective is that translation between one language and another is at the very least, problematic, and sometimes impossible.
Universalists argue that we can say whatever we want to say in any language, and that whatever we say in one language can always be translated into another: Even totally different languages are not untranslatable.
What is cultural identity and how is it formed?
Cultural identity refers to an individual’s sense of belonging to a particular culture or group. It is formed through shared characteristics such as language, traditions, beliefs, values, and norms that are passed down from generation to generation.
Define some of the theories of intercultural communication and competence.
Key theories include:
How do language policies reflect and reinforce power dynamics within societies?
Language policies often privilege dominant languages while suppressing minority languages, reinforcing social inequalities. These policies can impact access to education, employment, and political participation (Jourdan & Tuite, 2006).
To what extent does the Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis support the idea that language shapes thought and cultural perception?
The Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis, or linguistic relativity, suggests that language influences thought and perception. While the strong version (linguistic determinism) claims that language limits cognitive abilities, the weaker version argues that language shapes but does not fully determine thought. Studies in linguistic anthropology provide evidence supporting the weak version
What does bicultural identity refer to?
Bicultural identity refers to an individual's ability to navigate and integrate two cultural frameworks. Benefits include greater cognitive flexibility and broader social networks, while challenges include identity conflicts and cultural adaptation struggles. Bicultural individuals navigate and internalize the values, traditions, languages, and norms of both cultures, creating a unique, blended identity.
Define the Norman Fairclough's Framework of CDA.
Fairclough's CDA model has three dimensions of analysis: text, discursive practices, and sociocultural practices.
Fairclough's model connects the micro level (description of text) to the macro level (discursive and social analysis of discourse). It emphasizes the dynamic relationship between text, discourse practice, and sociocultural practice.
What are the components of Intercultural competence?
Intercultural competence (Byram, 1997) components: knowledge, skills, attitudes, and critical awareness.