Plurilingual Approach in French as Second/Additional Language Teaching (Class presentation)
I presented this project in August 2023 as my final curriculum project for EDUC 5030 Curriculum, Teaching & Learning. Driven by a passion for intercultural learning, I endeavored to integrate it into the instruction of French for university beginners. In contrast to traditional language teaching methods that rigidly separate learners’ languages and cultures from the target language, the plurilingual approach aims to cultivate communicative competence and cultural awareness by intertwining and interacting with the diverse knowledge and experiences of the learners’ language.
Utilizing intercomprehension, students can recognize French words borrowed from other languages, such as English and their native languages, thus facilitating their French language acquisition through their existing language knowledge. Subsequently, by comparing different languages, students can uncover the cultural nuances embedded within them. This approach empowers students to assume a teaching role by sharing their language knowledge and cultural awareness. For French beginners, this method enables them to learn a new language based on their acquired language skills, fostering cultural interactions that enhance their cultural confidence and facilitate learning.
Nevertheless, implementing this method demands teachers with high proficiency in language, cultural competence, and a comprehensive understanding and training in plurilingual pedagogy and education. Additionally, it requires adaptability, flexibility, and strong communication skills. This project has allowed me to conceptualize how to integrate my experience on language learning and intercultural learning into French language teaching. As my cultural awareness and intercultural communication competency have grown, I am enthusiastic about furthering my research and practice in this teaching method.