AVOIDING STEREOTYPING AND ENHANCING INTERCULTURAL UNDERSTANDING

Alistair Welsh ( Deakin University)

TEFLIN Journal: A publication on the teaching and learning of English
Vol 22, No 1 (2011)

Abstract: Anecdotally, language learners often struggle to acquire in­tercultural understanding. Teaching intercultural understanding presents significant challenges for language teachers. This article offers some in-sights into language learners intercultural understanding and strategies to help enhance intercultural understanding that seek to promote analyti­cal and critical thinking. The aim is to build on the principles of the emerging pedagogy of Intercultural Language Learning (1cLL). IcLL suggests there is a third place, where cultures overlap. IcLL acknowl­edges the importance of identifying with the other, whilst not denying the self. Intercultural competence requires sensitivity to difference, an ability to identify with others and to critically reflect on ones own cul­tural background.