Authenticity across Languages and Cultures

Themes of Identity in Foreign Language Teaching and Learning

Wolfgang Stadler editor Leo Will editor Irma Eloff editor

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Multilingual Matters

Published:10th Nov '22

Should be back in stock very soon

This paperback is available in another edition too:

Authenticity across Languages and Cultures cover

Brings together research in SLA, literary and cultural studies, philosophy and sociology to examine concepts of authenticity in foreign language teaching and learning

This volume centres around concepts of personal and cultural authenticity in foreign language teaching and learning. The chapters cover a wide range of contexts and disciplines, offering diverse perspectives regarding the role language plays in processes of personal growth, learning, development, self-actualisation and power dynamics.

This volume centres around concepts of personal and cultural authenticity as they play out in various contexts of foreign language teaching and learning worldwide. The chapters cover a wide range of contexts and disciplines, including both theoretical and empirical work; together they comprise both a rigorous analysis of authenticity in language teaching and a step away from notions of native-speakerism and cultural essentialism with which it is often associated. Written by a group of scholars working across several continents, the chapters offer diverse perspectives regarding the role language plays in processes of personal growth, learning, development, self-actualisation and power dynamics. The book addresses the theoretical and philosophical nature of authenticity while remaining grounded in the teaching and learning of languages, with authenticity viewed as a practical concern that guides our actions and beliefs. The book will be of interest to scholars, researchers and students of authenticity as well as foreign language teachers interested in the theoretical underpinnings of their practice. 

Authenticity has been one of the core concepts of Communicative Language Teaching since the 1970s. This multifaceted, interdisciplinary volume engages with authenticity both in a most stimulating philosophical chapter and in diverse empirical studies, spanning different languages, contexts and approaches. A very welcome and necessary book for those who like to delve into the fundamental questions of language learning and teaching. * Friederike Klippel, Professor Emerita, Munich University, Germany *
This is a truly important book for language educators to better understand the notion of authenticity in our times both inside and outside language learning contexts. What makes this book highly relevant to current debates is its multilingual, global and cross-disciplinary orientation. * Werner Delanoy, University of Klagenfurt, Austria *
The multi-disciplinary nature of these contributions makes for a remarkably comprehensive understanding of authenticity. Compulsory reading for all researchers of language learning and teaching. * Christa van der Walt, Stellenbosch University, South Africa *

ISBN: 9781800411036

Dimensions: 234mm x 156mm x 15mm

Weight: 420g

296 pages