Book Reviews |
| |
| Authors: | Andrea Dlaska |
| |
| Institution: | Language Centre , University of Warwick , Coventry , CV4 7AL , UK |
| |
| Abstract: | This article proposes a content-orientated approach to teaching foreign languages in institution-wide language programmes. It posits that a separation of content and language in an entirely skills-based model of teaching non-specialist language learners is neither university-adequate nor in the interest of successful language learning. Arguing that content-driven curricula support collaborative and autonomous forms of learning, the paper proposes that general language modules should be based on a coherent, university-specific subject focus. The author suggests that language centres should draw on the cultural and disciplinary diversity of its students to create meaningful topics of cross-disciplinary communication. Making learners' cultural and academic experiences the subject of analysis aids the development of a group identity among non-specialist learners and thus the formation of authentic discourse communities even before contact with target language communities is established. The paper also addresses the role of networking technologies in establishing such multidisciplinary communities of non-specialist language learners. |
| |
| Keywords: | |
|
|
