INTERCULTURALISM IN A TEFL EDUCATIONAL SETTING - A CRITICAL INCIDENT

Egileak

  • Evangelia Giovanoglou Visiting Professor of English Language, Merchant Marine Academy of Crete, Greece

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46827/ejel.v9i6.5905

Gako-hitzak:

interculturalism in TESOL, critical incident, cultural awareness in language education, TEMA

Laburpena

This paper explores the concept of interculturalism in a TEFL educational setting by analyzing a critical incident involving a newly arrived Filipino student in a Greek classroom. The study examines the possible causes of the student’s communication barriers, including cultural norms, acculturation challenges, and differing expectations of classroom interactions. Drawing on intercultural communication theories (Hall, 1990; Brislin, 1990; Byram, 1989), it highlights the importance of cultural awareness in language education. The paper reflects on how such incidents can serve as catalysts for shifting from a traditional TEFL approach to Teaching English for Intercultural Communication (TEIC) and Teaching English for Multicultural Awareness (TEMA). A series of culturally oriented classroom activities were implemented to foster intercultural sensitivity and enhance students' understanding of cultural diversity. Ultimately, this case study underscores the need for educators to integrate intercultural competencies into language instruction, promoting empathy and effective cross-cultural communication.

 

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Egilearen biografia

  • Evangelia Giovanoglou, Visiting Professor of English Language, Merchant Marine Academy of Crete, Greece
    Evangelia Giovanoglou is an English Language teacher. She received a Bachelor's degree in English Language and Literature from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece and a Master's degree from the Hellenic Open University, Greece. She has been active in teaching English as a foreign language in the private sector since 2007. Her current field placement is with the Merchant Marine Academy of Crete, Greece as a visiting professor for the subject of Maritime English. She is interested in intercultural classes and teaching English for Specific Purposes.

Erreferentziak

Baxter, J. (1983). English for intercultural competence: An approach to intercultural communication training. In D. Landis & R. W. Brislim (Eds.), The handbook of intercultural communication training (Vol. II). Pergamon Press. Retrieved from https://sk.sagepub.com/hnbk/edvol/handbook-of-intercultural-training-3e/toc

Brislim, R. W. (Ed.). (1990). Applied cross-cultural psychology. Sage. Retrieved from https://sk.sagepub.com/book/edvol/applied-cross-cultural-psychology/toc

Byram, M. (1989). Cultural studies in foreign language education. Multilingual Matters. Retrieved from https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.21832/9781800418080/html?srsltid=AfmBOooDG9HKyNn53buM6z6nrJVVEofq7e4jpCQ_RUiYDBcZHOZcQURf

Fay, R. (2008). Intercultural approaches to the teaching of English. Hellenic Open University. Retrieved from https://research.manchester.ac.uk/en/publications/intercultural-approaches-to-the-teaching-of-english-spheres-of-ap

Fitzgerald, M. (2000). Establishing cultural competency for health professionals. In V. Skultons & J. Cox (Eds.) Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/272159729_Establishing_Cultural_Competency_for_Health_Professionals

Hall, E. T. (1959/1990). The silent language. Anchor Books/Doubleday. Retrieved from https://monoskop.org/images/5/57/Hall_Edward_T_The_Silent_Language.pdf

Peko, Mlinarević, K., & Jindra, I. (2009). Intercultural communication competence and multicultural team performance: A conceptual model and research propositions. Journal for East European Management Studies, 14(2).

Deskargak

Argitaratua

2025-03-20

Zenbakia

Libk. 9 Zk. 6 (2025)

Atala

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