Innovation in Language Learning
Teaching Armenian to Polish-speaking Learners: Practices and Challenges
Nana Akofyani, Marie Curie Skłodowska University (Poland)
Abstract
Language and culture are closely related, as communication in a certain language involves not only the exchange of information but also the interpretation of culture-specific meanings (Kramsch, 1993). Nevertheless, integrating and delivering cultural means in foreign language education can be demanding, especially in case of less commonly taught languages. This paper explores the role of intercultural learning, understood as ways of living together and contributing to the development of diverse societies (Lafraya, 2011), on teaching Armenian language at beginner levels to Polish-speaking learners. Based on online teaching experience, it presents the differences and similarities between the structure of Polish and Armenian languages, which give ground to explore some areas of these distinct languages and cultures. In addition, the paper draws on the presenter's experience of independently developing and implementing Armenian language teaching materials, exercises and assessment instruments. As a whole, it presents how intercultural perspectives can be incorporated into teaching materials, such as dialogues and reflective activities addressing everyday communication and social relationships. These practices are based on Liddicoat and Scarino's (2013) approach to intercultural language teaching, which underlines the active interpretation of cultural meanings. Finally, it mentions other challenges, including learners' limited linguistic resources, the availability of teaching materials and the risk of cultural generalisations.
Keywords: Armenian as a foreign language, intercultural learning, language and culture
REFERENCES
[1] Kramsch, C. (1993). Context and Culture in Language Teaching. Oxford University Press.
[2] Lafraya, S. (2011). Intercultural learning in non-formal education: Theoretical frameworks and starting points. Council of Europe Publishing.
[3] Liddicoat, A. J., & Scarino, A. (2013). Intercultural Language Teaching and Learning. Wiley-Blackwell.
