Challenges to multilingual language teaching: towards a transnational approach

Kelly, Michael (2015) Challenges to multilingual language teaching: towards a transnational approach. European Journal of Language Policy, 7 (1), 65-83. (doi:10.3828/ejlp.2015.5).

Record type: Article

Abstract

This article examines issues involved in developing a multilingual approach to language teaching within higher education. It discusses the concepts of multilingualism and plurilingualism that are currently used, and the ways in which they are reflected in practice. It suggests that multilingual approaches must address a largely monolingual ethos in language teaching, based on long-established pedagogical priorities. It examines difficulties in developing multicultural professional identities, arising from communities of practice that are often monolingual, and from competition for curriculum time and resources. It puts forward strategies to encourage multilingualism through professional development and through the development of intercultural approaches. It argues that significant advances in multilingual pedagogy can be achieved by encouraging greater collaboration between teachers, between their associations and between governmental agencies. And it concludes that language teachers may need to consider adopting a more transnational professional identity

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