Citizenship and Language Learning: International Perspectives

This volume breaks new ground by bringing together and synthesizing contributions from practitioners and researchers in language teaching and citizenship. It draws on the work of the British Council in developing education for citizenship and good governance through language teaching.

Language teachers across the world are increasingly recognizing their role as teachers of intercultural communication. Language learning develops skills for communication across cultural boundaries. The quality of the communication depends on respect, tolerance and acceptance of basic standards of human rights such as equality and dignity.

The book develops a theory and practice of language teaching and learning for citizenship based on understanding and implementing human rights in education. It explores representations of cultures; curriculum and pedagogical frameworks; issues of equality and diversity. Case studies are drawn from a range of learning contexts in Latin America, Europe and Asia. They consider: young disadvantaged learners; e-learning exchanges; developing critical cultural awareness; civic education and language teaching; women's studies; and empowerment strategies for life long learning.

The book will be essential reading for teachers and students of languages, for teachers and students of citizenship and for those responsible for curriculum policy and the training of teachers.

Contributors to this volume are drawn from the lecturers and participants at the 2003 British Council International Seminar on Citizenship and Language Learning, which they directed.