FAAPI Call for papers: Cultural Awareness in ELT

[From FAAPI's Call for papers]
Culture can be defined as the whole way of life of a people or group, which includes - among others social practices that bond a group of people together and distinguish them from others. The classroom context is an example of a cultural group and by being so, is an important phenomenon to be analyzed and observed. The classroom setting has been examined under two complementary perspectives: social interaction and language learning. These two viewpoints led researchers to realize that culture is not only present in the classroom setting but also in the language that is being taught. In spite of these different views, culture has taken up a very relevant part in language teaching and learning studies. Culture and language are interrelated, and the language taught in our classrooms is used as the main medium through which culture is expressed.

It is because language is one of the most visible expressions of a particular culture, and the influence it has on a group has a strong social and cultural impact that this has been chosen as the main theme for FAAPI 2007 Conference. The teaching of English as a foreign or second language entails the inclusion of the target culture as well, and this should serve the development of cross-cultural communication. The achievement of this goal is possible with the interrelation of key aspects in the teaching process, and this instance of professional development hopes to strengthen the notion that language is beliefs, values and needs present in all its forms.

Given the nature of this conference, participants are invited to submit papers on the following Areas:

Sub-themes:
o Cross Cultural Education
o Language and Culture
o Literature as a means of culture
o Cultural Awareness through Literature, History, Folklore, Humour in ELT
o Teaching Culture in the ESL/ EFL classroom
This list is offered as a guideline for prospective contributors. In accepting or rejecting a proposal, the main criterion will be its relevance to the theme of the Conference. In case of equivalent merit, papers from members of FAAPI Associations will be given preference.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: 27 April, 2007
Evaluation results will be sent by 02 July, 2007
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So far, Cecilia, Alina, Adela and Janine have expressed interest in presenting. Let's give shape to our proposals so we can work on submitting them by the deadline. In light of this info, feel free to make any further suggestions...