Taboos and Controversial Issues in Foreign Language Education

This volume explores the integration of taboo topics in foreign language education, offering insights into critical pedagogy and innovative teaching practices.

This edited volume provides innovative insights into how critical language pedagogy and taboo topics can inform and transform the teaching and learning of foreign languages. The book investigates the potential as well as the challenges involved in dealing with taboo topics in the foreign language classroom. Traditionally subsumed under the acronym PARSNIP (politics, alcohol, religion, narcotics, isms, and pork), the volume expands this framework to include additional controversial topics such as disability, racism, conspiracy theories, and taboo language.

By examining how these topics can be integrated into conceptual teaching frameworks and practice, Taboos and Controversial Issues in Foreign Language Education draws on examples from literary texts and pop culture, including young adult novels, music videos, and rap songs. This approach investigates their potential for developing critical literacies among students. The book also considers foreign language teaching beyond English contexts, laying the groundwork for addressing the integration of taboo topics in foreign language education theory, research, and practice.

Filling an important gap in educational research, this volume will be of great interest to researchers, academics, and students in foreign language education, critical pedagogy, and applied linguistics. It serves as a valuable resource for teacher trainers and educators in the field, enhancing their understanding of how to navigate and incorporate sensitive subjects in language teaching.