Learning language and culture via public internet discussion forums

About this book

Public Internet discussion forums offer vast possibilities for interaction with speakers of other languages, with newspaper websites from many countries proposing forums on a smorgasbord of topics from travel to tertiary education to techno music. These sites provide opportunities both for authentic foreign language practice, and for developing intercultural competence. Currently, however, public forums are largely ignored by language educators in favour of purpose-built exchanges between learners. The authors investigate the untapped pedagogical potential of these forums. Drawing on examples from English- and French-language media websites, they explore cultural differences in public forum discussion, and propose guidelines for participating effectively and maximising the learning opportunities. Case studies highlight the skills needed to venture beyond learner-to-learner interaction and engage with another culture autonomously, in roles other than that of student. The emphasis on strategies for successful and culturally sensitive interaction in authentic contexts makes the book a valuable tool for teachers and learners of any language.