Anne-Brit Fenner
Most educators would agree that cultural awareness is an important aim in foreign language teaching. There are, however, differing views on what cultural and intercultural awareness is, and how learners can be encouraged and assisted in moving towards this goal.
In considering cultural awareness in relation to textbooks, I would first like to discuss the term in a wider educational and methodological context. In this context I find it useful to look at two different ways of defining education: according to the Oxford Dictionary the term can mean 'instruction' or it can mean 'development and personal growth'. If we, as textbook authors, regard our task solely as providing reading material and exercises in order to transmit a set of skills that might enable the learner to cope in a foreign country, we are faced with a purely instrumental and utilitarian view of foreign language teaching.
This is the traditional view of teaching culture, which has its roots in teaching methods long before the advent of a communicative approach to language learning with its focus on the learner. Instruction by the teacher or textbook followed by exercises designed to make the learner merely reproduce or copy language rather than produce his or her own, is very difficult to combine with the development of personal awareness on the part of the learner. If we only try to provide a body of knowledge, hoping that it can be transferred to the learner by the teacher or the textbook, we reinforce what Bourdieu (1994) calls' symbolic power'; i.e. we enforce, through our choice of teaching material, our own values upon the learners without giving them a chance to develop a critical awareness of this knowledge. And in so doing, we manage to preserve our own set of values. If, on the other hand, we regard education as 'development and personal growth', our aim must be to give the learner opportunity to develop cultural knowledge, competence and awareness in such a way that it might lead to a better understanding of the foreign culture, the 'other', as well as of the learner's own culture, the ‘self’.
The former definition of education, 'instruction', falls into a category of teaching where the relationship between teacher and learner, or textbook and learner, can be categorized as a subject-object relationship (Skjervheim 1992). In a cultural awareness context, the encounter between one's own and the foreign culture can be seen in terms of a similar type of relationship, with the foreign culture as object while 'I, myself and 'my culture' constitute the subject. In such a relationship it will always be the aim of the subject to impose its own cultural values upon the object. Historically and politically, the relationship between colonial powers and their colonies can be characterized and recognized in this way. In a foreign language learning context such a view, conscious or unconscious, may result in an attitude towards the foreign culture which enhances symbolic power instead of resulting in cultural awareness as a basis for developing empathy and tolerance. Rather than remaining in a subject - object relationship with the learners within which they are 'instructed' or taught about culture, textbooks and teachers need to open up ways in which learners can gain insights into the foreign culture in a subject - subject relationship; in other words, a dialectic process between equals. Is it possible for textbook authors to provide material and tasks which can assist such a process?
Friday 25 June 2010
How to Hear English Everywhere
Two simple definitions
• to hear: to receive sound with the ears
• to listen: to try to hear
You are very good at languages. That's obvious, because you already speak one language very well - your own! And if you can learn and speak one language well, then you can certainly learn and speak one or more other languages.
But did you ever ask yourself: "How did I learn my own language?" In fact, you never really "learned" it at all - you just started speaking it. One day, when you were about two or three years old, you started speaking your language. A few words at first, not full sentences. But you spoke. And very soon you made progress without even thinking about it. It was like magic!
But it wasn't magic. It was the result of hearing. For two to three years before you spoke, you heard people speaking your language all day, and maybe all night. You heard people speaking your language. Maybe you listened to people, but more importantly you heard. them. Then, as if by magic, you started to speak. All that hearing was necessary for you to start speaking. For two to three years words went IN to your head. Then words came OUT of your head! That is why hearing (and listening to) English as much as possible is so important to you now. The more English you put in, the more you'll get out!
So how can you hear a lot of English when you're not in an English-speaking country or family? Fortunately, there are many ways of hearing English in almost all countries of the world.
Radio
You can receive English language radio in most countries. Two of the best international networks are the BBC World Service and Voice of America. Both of them have special programmes for learners of English. You can find information about times and frequencies for your country on their web sites.
Television
TV is an excellent resource for hearing and listening to English. The pictures help you understand what is being said. If you don't have access to English-language TV, you may be able to watch TV on Internet.
Internet
It is now a lot easier to hear English by Internet. If you're reading this at your computer, you can probably listen to some English-language radio news right now, without even moving! To be able to listen to radio on the Internet, you'll need to have special software called a "player" installed in your computer. Most sites work with two players - the RealPlayer from RealNetworks and the Windows Media Player from Microsoft. Don't worry. Both these players are free and you may already have them installed on your computer.
Music/songs
Songs in English are everywhere, even on foreign-language radio and TV stations. Listen to them often. Buy some cassettes or CDs, or make recordings, and try to write the words for an entire song. But choose one that is not too difficult. That means it should be reasonably slow, and with real words sung clearly. Some pop songs are very unclear and are difficult even for native English-speakers to understand fully!
Cinema
Outside the English-speaking world, many large cities have cinemas that show films in English, usually with sub-titles. Make it a habit to go to these films. If you need to read the sub-titles, at least you'll be hearing English even if you don't understand it.
Video
Video has one really great advantage. You can play it again . . . and again. You can use video to watch film cassettes that you buy or borrow. If there are sub-titles, you can cover them with paper (which you can remove if you really don't understand after listening several times). And you can use video to record programmes from television and then watch them several times to improve your understanding.
Friends
Try to make friends with English-speaking people so that you can practise your English through conversation. Of course, this will practise your speaking as well as your listening. And if you don't have a lot of time to go out and meet people, at least you can chat a little by telephone.
Finally, don't worry if you don't understand everything you hear. Hearing comes first! Understanding comes next!
• to hear: to receive sound with the ears
• to listen: to try to hear
You are very good at languages. That's obvious, because you already speak one language very well - your own! And if you can learn and speak one language well, then you can certainly learn and speak one or more other languages.
But did you ever ask yourself: "How did I learn my own language?" In fact, you never really "learned" it at all - you just started speaking it. One day, when you were about two or three years old, you started speaking your language. A few words at first, not full sentences. But you spoke. And very soon you made progress without even thinking about it. It was like magic!
But it wasn't magic. It was the result of hearing. For two to three years before you spoke, you heard people speaking your language all day, and maybe all night. You heard people speaking your language. Maybe you listened to people, but more importantly you heard. them. Then, as if by magic, you started to speak. All that hearing was necessary for you to start speaking. For two to three years words went IN to your head. Then words came OUT of your head! That is why hearing (and listening to) English as much as possible is so important to you now. The more English you put in, the more you'll get out!
So how can you hear a lot of English when you're not in an English-speaking country or family? Fortunately, there are many ways of hearing English in almost all countries of the world.
Radio
You can receive English language radio in most countries. Two of the best international networks are the BBC World Service and Voice of America. Both of them have special programmes for learners of English. You can find information about times and frequencies for your country on their web sites.
Television
TV is an excellent resource for hearing and listening to English. The pictures help you understand what is being said. If you don't have access to English-language TV, you may be able to watch TV on Internet.
Internet
It is now a lot easier to hear English by Internet. If you're reading this at your computer, you can probably listen to some English-language radio news right now, without even moving! To be able to listen to radio on the Internet, you'll need to have special software called a "player" installed in your computer. Most sites work with two players - the RealPlayer from RealNetworks and the Windows Media Player from Microsoft. Don't worry. Both these players are free and you may already have them installed on your computer.
Music/songs
Songs in English are everywhere, even on foreign-language radio and TV stations. Listen to them often. Buy some cassettes or CDs, or make recordings, and try to write the words for an entire song. But choose one that is not too difficult. That means it should be reasonably slow, and with real words sung clearly. Some pop songs are very unclear and are difficult even for native English-speakers to understand fully!
Cinema
Outside the English-speaking world, many large cities have cinemas that show films in English, usually with sub-titles. Make it a habit to go to these films. If you need to read the sub-titles, at least you'll be hearing English even if you don't understand it.
Video
Video has one really great advantage. You can play it again . . . and again. You can use video to watch film cassettes that you buy or borrow. If there are sub-titles, you can cover them with paper (which you can remove if you really don't understand after listening several times). And you can use video to record programmes from television and then watch them several times to improve your understanding.
Friends
Try to make friends with English-speaking people so that you can practise your English through conversation. Of course, this will practise your speaking as well as your listening. And if you don't have a lot of time to go out and meet people, at least you can chat a little by telephone.
Finally, don't worry if you don't understand everything you hear. Hearing comes first! Understanding comes next!
Formal Letter Writing
Layout of a Formal Letter
Rules for Writing Formal Letters in English
In English there are a number of conventions that should be used when writing a formal or business letter. Furthermore, you try to write as simply and as clearly as possible, and not to make the letter longer than necessary. Remember not to use informal language like contractions.
Addresses:
1) Your Address
The return address should be written in the top right-hand corner of the letter.
2) The Address of the person you are writing to
The inside address should be written on the left, starting below your address.
Date:
Different people put the date on different sides of the page. You can write this on the right or the left on the line after the address you are writing to. Write the month as a word.
Salutation or greeting:
1) Dear Sir or Madam,
If you do not know the name of the person you are writing to, use this. It is always advisable to try to find out a name.
2) Dear Mr Jenkins,
If you know the name, use the title (Mr, Mrs, Miss or Ms, Dr, etc.) and the surname only. If you are writing to a woman and do not know if she uses Mrs or Miss, you can use Ms, which is for married and single women.
Ending a letter:
1) Yours Faithfully
If you do not know the name of the person, end the letter this way.
2) Yours Sincerely
If you know the name of the person, end the letter this way.
3) Your signature
Sign your name, then print it underneath the signature. If you think the person you are writing to might not know whether you are male of female, put you title in brackets after your name.
Content of a Formal Letter
First paragraph
The first paragraph should be short and state the purpose of the letter- to make an enquiry, complain, request something, etc.
The paragraph or paragraphs in the middle of the letter should contain the relevant information behind the writing of the letter. Most letters in English are not very long, so keep the information to the essentials and concentrate on organising it in a clear and logical manner rather than expanding too much.
Last Paragraph
The last paragraph of a formal letter should state what action you expect the recipient to take- to refund, send you information, etc.
Abbreviations Used in Letter Writing
The following abbreviations are widely used in letters:
• asap = as soon as possible
• cc = carbon copy (when you send a copy of a letter to more than one person, you use this abbreviation to let them know)
• enc. = enclosure (when you include other papers with your letter)
• pp = per procurationem (A Latin phrase meaning that you are signing the letter on somebody else's behalf; if they are not there to sign it themselves, etc)
• ps = postscript (when you want to add something after you've finished and signed it)
• pto (informal) = please turn over (to make sure that the other person knows the letter continues on the other side of the page)
• RSVP = please reply
Outline: A Covering Letter
A covering letter is the one that accompanies your CV when you are applying for a job. Here is a fairly conventional plan for the layout of the paragraphs.
Opening Paragraph
Briefly identify yourself and the position you are applying for. Add how you found out about the vacancy.
Paragraph 2
Give the reasons why you are interested in working for the company and why you wish to be considered for that particular post. State your relevant qualifications and experience, as well as your personal qualities that make you a suitable candidate.
Paragraph 3
Inform them that you have enclosed your current CV and add any further information that you think could help your case.
Closing Paragraph
Give your availability for interview, thank them for their consideration, restate your interest and close the letter.
Outline: A Letter of Enquiry
A letter of enquiry is when you are approaching a company speculatively, that is you are making an approach without their having advertised or announced a vacancy.
Opening Paragraph
Introduce yourself briefly and give your reason for writing. Let them know of the kind of position you are seeking, why you are interested and how you heard about them.
Paragraph 2
Show why their company in particular interests you, mention your qualifications and experience along with any further details that might make them interested in seeing you.
Paragraph 3
Refer to your enclosed CV and draw their attention to any particularly important points you would like them to focus on in it.
Closing Paragraph
Thank them, explain your availability for interview and restate your enthusiasm for their company and desire to be considered for posts that might as yet be unavailable.
1. Write a formal letter to enroll in an English school.
a. Dear Sir/Madam
I am a second year student on a Fine Arts course in Switzerland, at [name of institution], and am interested in transferring to [name of institution] to complete my Bachelor's course.
Before I apply to you for the third year or even your second year courses, I would like to be certain that it's possible. Despite the Bologna agreement, I have heard that my credits will not always be recognized in all art schools.
I would be grateful if you could inform me about that.
I enclose a copy of my ECTS credits and a detailed account of my educational background.
If you need more information, please do not hesitate to contact me.
I look forward to hearing from you.
yours faithfully
b. Dear Sir/Madam
I am a second year student on a Fine Arts course in Switzerland, at [name of institution], and am interested in transferring to [name of institution] to complete my Bachelor's course.
Before I apply to you for the third year or even your second year courses, I would like to be certain that (if instead of that?) it's possible. Despite the Bologna agreement, I have heard that my credits will not always be recognized in all art schools.
I would be grateful if you could inform me about that.
I enclose a copy of my ECTS credits and a detailed account of my educational background.
Enclosed you find a copy of ...
If you need more information, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Please do not ... , if you ....
I look forward to hearing from you.
Thanks in advance for your attention to this matter.
Yours faithfully,
Rules for Writing Formal Letters in English
In English there are a number of conventions that should be used when writing a formal or business letter. Furthermore, you try to write as simply and as clearly as possible, and not to make the letter longer than necessary. Remember not to use informal language like contractions.
Addresses:
1) Your Address
The return address should be written in the top right-hand corner of the letter.
2) The Address of the person you are writing to
The inside address should be written on the left, starting below your address.
Date:
Different people put the date on different sides of the page. You can write this on the right or the left on the line after the address you are writing to. Write the month as a word.
Salutation or greeting:
1) Dear Sir or Madam,
If you do not know the name of the person you are writing to, use this. It is always advisable to try to find out a name.
2) Dear Mr Jenkins,
If you know the name, use the title (Mr, Mrs, Miss or Ms, Dr, etc.) and the surname only. If you are writing to a woman and do not know if she uses Mrs or Miss, you can use Ms, which is for married and single women.
Ending a letter:
1) Yours Faithfully
If you do not know the name of the person, end the letter this way.
2) Yours Sincerely
If you know the name of the person, end the letter this way.
3) Your signature
Sign your name, then print it underneath the signature. If you think the person you are writing to might not know whether you are male of female, put you title in brackets after your name.
Content of a Formal Letter
First paragraph
The first paragraph should be short and state the purpose of the letter- to make an enquiry, complain, request something, etc.
The paragraph or paragraphs in the middle of the letter should contain the relevant information behind the writing of the letter. Most letters in English are not very long, so keep the information to the essentials and concentrate on organising it in a clear and logical manner rather than expanding too much.
Last Paragraph
The last paragraph of a formal letter should state what action you expect the recipient to take- to refund, send you information, etc.
Abbreviations Used in Letter Writing
The following abbreviations are widely used in letters:
• asap = as soon as possible
• cc = carbon copy (when you send a copy of a letter to more than one person, you use this abbreviation to let them know)
• enc. = enclosure (when you include other papers with your letter)
• pp = per procurationem (A Latin phrase meaning that you are signing the letter on somebody else's behalf; if they are not there to sign it themselves, etc)
• ps = postscript (when you want to add something after you've finished and signed it)
• pto (informal) = please turn over (to make sure that the other person knows the letter continues on the other side of the page)
• RSVP = please reply
Outline: A Covering Letter
A covering letter is the one that accompanies your CV when you are applying for a job. Here is a fairly conventional plan for the layout of the paragraphs.
Opening Paragraph
Briefly identify yourself and the position you are applying for. Add how you found out about the vacancy.
Paragraph 2
Give the reasons why you are interested in working for the company and why you wish to be considered for that particular post. State your relevant qualifications and experience, as well as your personal qualities that make you a suitable candidate.
Paragraph 3
Inform them that you have enclosed your current CV and add any further information that you think could help your case.
Closing Paragraph
Give your availability for interview, thank them for their consideration, restate your interest and close the letter.
Outline: A Letter of Enquiry
A letter of enquiry is when you are approaching a company speculatively, that is you are making an approach without their having advertised or announced a vacancy.
Opening Paragraph
Introduce yourself briefly and give your reason for writing. Let them know of the kind of position you are seeking, why you are interested and how you heard about them.
Paragraph 2
Show why their company in particular interests you, mention your qualifications and experience along with any further details that might make them interested in seeing you.
Paragraph 3
Refer to your enclosed CV and draw their attention to any particularly important points you would like them to focus on in it.
Closing Paragraph
Thank them, explain your availability for interview and restate your enthusiasm for their company and desire to be considered for posts that might as yet be unavailable.
1. Write a formal letter to enroll in an English school.
a. Dear Sir/Madam
I am a second year student on a Fine Arts course in Switzerland, at [name of institution], and am interested in transferring to [name of institution] to complete my Bachelor's course.
Before I apply to you for the third year or even your second year courses, I would like to be certain that it's possible. Despite the Bologna agreement, I have heard that my credits will not always be recognized in all art schools.
I would be grateful if you could inform me about that.
I enclose a copy of my ECTS credits and a detailed account of my educational background.
If you need more information, please do not hesitate to contact me.
I look forward to hearing from you.
yours faithfully
b. Dear Sir/Madam
I am a second year student on a Fine Arts course in Switzerland, at [name of institution], and am interested in transferring to [name of institution] to complete my Bachelor's course.
Before I apply to you for the third year or even your second year courses, I would like to be certain that (if instead of that?) it's possible. Despite the Bologna agreement, I have heard that my credits will not always be recognized in all art schools.
I would be grateful if you could inform me about that.
I enclose a copy of my ECTS credits and a detailed account of my educational background.
Enclosed you find a copy of ...
If you need more information, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Please do not ... , if you ....
I look forward to hearing from you.
Thanks in advance for your attention to this matter.
Yours faithfully,
Tuesday 22 June 2010
Monday 21 June 2010
Tuesday 15 June 2010
DE INTERES...
El Festival Internacional de Poesía de Medellín celebra sus 20 años con
una variada agenda cultural
¡Lista la programación del Festival!
MAS INFORMACION EN EL SIGUIENTE ENLACE
Haz clic en
http://groups.google.es/group/fundaciontehillim/web/programacion-festival-internacional-de-poesia-medellin.
Si haciendo clic no se activa, copia el enlace y pégalo en la barra de
direcciones de tu navegador.
El Festival Internacional de Poesía de Medellín celebra sus 20 años con
una variada agenda cultural
¡Lista la programación del Festival!
MAS INFORMACION EN EL SIGUIENTE ENLACE
Haz clic en
http://groups.google.es/group/fundaciontehillim/web/programacion-festival-internacional-de-poesia-medellin.
Si haciendo clic no se activa, copia el enlace y pégalo en la barra de
direcciones de tu navegador.
Friday 11 June 2010
Thursday 10 June 2010
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About Me
- Colombia
- Pamplona, Nsder, Colombia
- Master in Teaching English as a Foreign Language.