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The Oral Interview and Cross‐Cultural Understanding in the Foreign Language Classroom
Author(s) -
Rings Lana
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
foreign language annals
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.258
H-Index - 49
eISSN - 1944-9720
pISSN - 0015-718X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1944-9720.2006.tb02248.x
Subject(s) - interview , coursework , psychology , foreign language , meaning (existential) , language assessment , pedagogy , semi structured interview , language proficiency , language education , cross cultural , mathematics education , medical education , sociology , qualitative research , social science , medicine , anthropology , psychotherapist
This article discusses cross‐cultural oral interviews and how they can be used in the foreign language classroom to help students understand the differing, often culture‐specific perspectives of language use among people speaking another language. By conducting interviews, or by teaching students the interview process, instructors can provide students with a means for ascertaining how people from the target culture understand or misunderstand the students' culture. Beginning with a discussion of theoretical issues regarding communication, the article proceeds to discuss oral interview methodology, including specific guidelines for interviewing, and to share sample results that elucidate the framework used. Finally, specific suggestions for implementation in the foreign language classroom are provided, from incorporating such interviewing in coursework to specific examples of activities addressing various aspects of language and meaning.