Developing intercultural competence by teaching literature : principles and practice from a case-study in two Algerian universities

This study investigates the use of literary texts for intercultural learning using a Master course of English as a foreign language in Algeria as an empirical example. We first define essential concepts that guided this course -'culture', 'language-culture nexus' and 'intercultural competence' - before we explain the socio-linguistic and socio-cultural context in Algeria, as it is the foundation of the choice of literary texts. The empirical study was an action research project that took place in two universities. We explain the research methodology and teaching methodology in which lessons were planned on the basis of Byram's model (1997) of intercultural communicative competence. Inthe analysis we draw on the existing literature and extracts from the students' discussions and worksheets to argue for the significance of using literary texts in encouraging 'aesthetic reading' leading to empathetic responses that were significant in developing intercultural communicative competence. Finally, we provide recommendations in terms of theory and practice for teachers and syllabus designers who intend to use literary texts for intercultural learning.En este artículo se analiza la utilización de textos literarios para el aprendizaje intercultural partiendo de un curso de Máster de inglés lengua extranjera en Argelia como ejemplo empírico. En primer lugar, se definen los conceptos esenciales que sirvieron de guía en dicho curso - "cultura", "nexo entre lengua y cultura" y "competencia intercultural" - antes de exponer el contexto sociolingüístico y sociocultural de Argelia, que fundamentó la selección de los textos literarios. El trabajo empírico se enmarca en un proyecto de acción-investigación realizado en dos universidades. Se presenta la metodología de dicha investigación así como la metodología didáctica aplicada, basada en el modelo de competencia comunicativa intercultural propuesto por Byram (1997). El análisis se apoya en la literatura existente y en extractos de debates y actividades realizados por los alumnos para demostrar la importancia del empleo de textos literarios que promuevan una "lectura estética" que facilite respuestas empáticas que favorezcan a su vez el desarrollo de la competencia comunicativa intercultural. Finalmente, ofrecemos recomendaciones tanto en lo que atañe a la teoría como a la práctica a profesores y programadores de cursos que pretendan emplear textos literarios para el aprendizaje intercultural.Cette contribution présente une recherche sur l'utilisation de textes littéraires pour l'apprentissage interculturel à partir de l'exemple empirique d'un cours de Master d'anglais langue étrangère en Algérie. Nous définissons en premier lieu les concepts essentiels adoptés pour ce cours : "culture", "lien entre langue et culture" et "compétence interculturelle". Est présenté ensuite le contexte sociolinguistique et socioculturel à partir duquel a été effectué le choix des textes littéraires. L'étude empirique est un projet d'action-recherche mené dans deux universités. Nous présentons la méthodologie de la recherche et la méthodologie didactique suivie, conçue sur le modèle de compétence communicative interculturelle proposé par Byram (1997). L'analyse prend pour référence à cet égard la littérature existante ainsi que des extraits de débats et d'activités réalisés par les étudiants qui prônent l'importance de l'emploi de textes littéraires qui encouragent la "lecture esthétique" afin de susciter des réponses empathiques favorisant le développement de la compétence communicative interculturelle. Finalement, nous formulons des recommandations concernant la théorie et la pratique destinées aux enseignants et aux concepteurs de programmes d'études désireux d'employer des textes littéraires pour l'apprentissage interculturel

Investigating the use of literary texts in a pedagogy to teach intercultural communicative competence in an EFL Master’s course in Algeria

This thesis addresses a significant question of how literary texts can be used in an EFL classroom to teach intercultural communicative competence. It investigates students’ learning of intercultural communicative competence and their experience of a pedagogy that introduces literary texts for this objective. The research is interdisciplinary in nature and adopts theories from the field of teaching literature and the field of intercultural education from a global perspective to frame the study, taking into account the local social context. Adopting an interpretive approach based on social constructionism, this study is based on qualitative data elicited during an action research project, and presents an analysis of the students’ learning and their awareness of their learning experience according to data collected from different sources and perspectives. The empirical study shows the application of theoretical models from interdisciplinary fields of study to pedagogical practices. In addition, it offers theoretical conceptualizations of key concepts specific to the context of this study taking into account the different political, social and linguistic tensions, especially that the intercultural dimension is emerging in the educational context of this study, Algeria. Overall, the study shows that, using a specific teaching approach, literary texts have great potential in teaching intercultural communicative competence as well as for intercultural citizenship education. However, the degree to which the students themselves were conscious of their learning outcomes varied. The majority of the students enjoyed their learning experience with literary texts, but some students highlighted some challenges they faced that have significant implications for future research and scholarship. The study provides valuable insights for teachers and researchers in the area of intercultural education, especially for those in Algeria, or other similar contexts, where the students have limited exposure to diversity within their society. It also has implications to be taken into consideration for syllabus designers who attempt to include the intercultural dimension in their syllabus. Finally, the implications of this study are relevant for teachers of literature or EFL teachers who attempt to introduce literary texts into their pedagogical practices

Developing Intercultural Competence by Teaching Literature

This study investigates the use of literary texts for intercultural learning using a Master course of English as a foreign language in Algeria as an empirical example. We first define essential concepts that guided this course -'culture', 'language-culture nexus' and 'intercultural competence' - before we explain the socio-linguistic and socio-cultural context in Algeria, as it is the foundation of the choice of literary texts. The empirical study was an action research project that took place in two universities. We explain the research methodology and teaching methodology in which lessons were planned on the basis of Byram's model (1997) of intercultural communicative competence. Inthe analysis we draw on the existing literature and extracts from the students' discussions and worksheets to argue for the significance of using literary texts in encouraging 'aesthetic reading' leading to empathetic responses that were significant in developing intercultural communicative competence. Finally, we provide recommendations in terms of theory and practice for teachers and syllabus designers who intend to use literary texts for intercultural learning.En este artículo se analiza la utilización de textos literarios para el aprendizaje intercultural partiendo de un curso de Máster de inglés lengua extranjera en Argelia como ejemplo empírico. En primer lugar, se definen los conceptos esenciales que sirvieron de guía en dicho curso - "cultura", "nexo entre lengua y cultura" y "competencia intercultural" - antes de exponer el contexto sociolingüístico y sociocultural de Argelia, que fundamentó la selección de los textos literarios. El trabajo empírico se enmarca en un proyecto de acción-investigación realizado en dos universidades. Se presenta la metodología de dicha investigación así como la metodología didáctica aplicada, basada en el modelo de competencia comunicativa intercultural propuesto por Byram (1997). El análisis se apoya en la literatura existente y en extractos de debates y actividades realizados por los alumnos para demostrar la importancia del empleo de textos literarios que promuevan una "lectura estética" que facilite respuestas empáticas que favorezcan a su vez el desarrollo de la competencia comunicativa intercultural. Finalmente, ofrecemos recomendaciones tanto en lo que atañe a la teoría como a la práctica a profesores y programadores de cursos que pretendan emplear textos literarios para el aprendizaje intercultural.Cette contribution présente une recherche sur l'utilisation de textes littéraires pour l'apprentissage interculturel à partir de l'exemple empirique d'un cours de Master d'anglais langue étrangère en Algérie. Nous définissons en premier lieu les concepts essentiels adoptés pour ce cours : "culture", "lien entre langue et culture" et "compétence interculturelle". Est présenté ensuite le contexte sociolinguistique et socioculturel à partir duquel a été effectué le choix des textes littéraires. L'étude empirique est un projet d'action-recherche mené dans deux universités. Nous présentons la méthodologie de la recherche et la méthodologie didactique suivie, conçue sur le modèle de compétence communicative interculturelle proposé par Byram (1997). L'analyse prend pour référence à cet égard la littérature existante ainsi que des extraits de débats et d'activités réalisés par les étudiants qui prônent l'importance de l'emploi de textes littéraires qui encouragent la "lecture esthétique" afin de susciter des réponses empathiques favorisant le développement de la compétence communicative interculturelle. Finalement, nous formulons des recommandations concernant la théorie et la pratique destinées aux enseignants et aux concepteurs de programmes d'études désireux d'employer des textes littéraires pour l'apprentissage interculturel

Abstracts of 1st International Conference on Computational & Applied Physics

This book contains the abstracts of the papers presented at the International Conference on Computational & Applied Physics (ICCAP’2021) Organized by the Surfaces, Interfaces and Thin Films Laboratory (LASICOM), Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University Saad Dahleb Blida 1, Algeria, held on 26–28 September 2021. The Conference had a variety of Plenary Lectures, Oral sessions, and E-Poster Presentations. Conference Title: 1st International Conference on Computational & Applied PhysicsConference Acronym: ICCAP’2021Conference Date: 26–28 September 2021Conference Location: Online (Virtual Conference)Conference Organizer: Surfaces, Interfaces, and Thin Films Laboratory (LASICOM), Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University Saad Dahleb Blida 1, Algeria