The Educational Purpose of Language Teaching at University: Giving Voice to Native Communities

• Published in: PROFILE issues in teachers' professional development Vol. 24; no. 1; pp. 115 - 124
• Main Authors: Tavella, Gabriela N., Fernández, S. Carina
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Bogota Universidad Nacional de Colombia 01-01-2022; Departamento de Lenguas Extranjeras, Universidad Nacional de Colombia
• Subjects: Case studies; College Students; Cultural heritage; Culture; education; EDUCATION & EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH; English for Special Purposes; English for specific purposes; English language; Foreign Countries; Foreign language instruction; Foreign language learning; Guides; Higher education; Historic buildings & sites; Indigenous Populations; Intercultural Communication; Language instruction; Language teaching methods; Learning environment; Linguistics; native communities; Pedagogy; Second Language Instruction; Self concept; Students; Teaching; Teaching Methods; Tourism; Argentina; pueblos originarios; comunicación intercultural; inglés para propósitos específicos; education; native communities; enseñanza de una lengua extranjera; foreign language instruction; educación; intercultural communication; English for specific purposes
• ISSN: 1657-0790; 2256-5760; 1657-0790
• DOI: 10.15446/profile.v24n1.92481

This paper reports the findings of a case study carried out in an English for specific purposes class with student tour guides at an Argentinean university. The main objective of this research project was to analyse how the teaching practices in the English language classes favoured intercultural exchanges. Data were gathered through document analysis, surveys, and interviews with students and with core-subject professors. Results were analysed qualitatively. We conclude that we must foster a friendly and safe learning environment to give voice to learners from native communities so that they can express their own identities and thus give way to enriching intercultural dialogue.