CLaSIC 2012
The Fifth CLS International Conference
CLaSIC 2012
Culture in Foreign Language Learning:
Framing and Reframing the Issue
Singapore, 6-8 December 2012
Michael Byram (Durham University)
Kimi Kondo-Brown (University of Hawai’i at Manoa)
Claire Kramsch (University of California Berkeley)
CLaSIC 2012 – Culture in Foreign Language Learning: Framing and Reframing the IssueThe National Center for Cultural Competence at Georgetown University defines culture as an integrated pattern of human behavior that includes thoughts, communications, languages, practices, beliefs, values, customs, courtesies, rituals, manners of interacting and roles, relationships and expected behaviors of a racial, ethnic, religious or social group; and the ability to transmit the above to succeeding generations. This definition of culture makes it obvious that language is more than just a means to express a culture; it is in fact an integral part of that culture. Language and culture are therefore closely intertwined and it is hardly possible to teach a language without culture, for culture provides the necessary context for language use. It is therefore not surprising that the US National Standards in Foreign Language Education lists the understanding of the target language culture and its perspectives, practices and products as a key objective of foreign language education.
In making the study of the role of culture in foreign language learning the theme of CLaSIC 2012, the Organizing Committee acknowledges its undoubted importance and encourages participants to actively contemplate and debate this essential issue. Through scholarly and critical interactions with a diverse range of subthemes, ranging from “culture, identity and motivation” to “intercultural language teaching” and “ethnographic approaches to language teaching,” it is hoped that a keener understanding of the multi-faceted relationship between culture and foreign language education can be achieved.
- Sub-Themes
Culture and culture awareness in foreign language learning - Instructional approaches for culture teaching
- Intercultural language teaching
- Culture, identity and motivation
- Acculturation and language socialization
- Heritage language education
- Assessment and evaluation in the teaching of culture
- Curriculum and materials development for culture teaching
- Educating teachers for culture teaching
- Ethnographic approaches to language teaching
- Study abroad and language contact
- Transculturalism in foreign language learning
- Sociolinguistics and foreign language teaching
- Other topics
The CLaSIC 2012 Organising Committee invites proposals for paper and poster presentations related to the conference theme. Submissions are to be made online at the CLaSIC 2012 homepage by latest 31 May 2012. Submissions on other topics may also be considered, but preference will be given to those directly related to the published sub-themes.
Enquiries can be directed to the Secretary.
