The scope of multilingualism and multiculturalism within societies is increasing on a global scale. As this is happening, discussions are emerging concerning the significance of including a variety of perspectives in classroom discourse as well as the imperative of ridding it of a prevailing monocultural straitjacket. Against the backdrop of these changing realities, authors have advocated for a revision and adaptation of current teaching methodology and classroom materials in order to do greater justice to an increasingly diverse student population.
This book presents the findings from a qualitative research project conducted in Australia, a country acclaimed for its linguistic and cultural diversity. Specifically, the study investigated the educational context of Indigenous Australian learners by shedding light on the incorporation of First Nations perspectives in teaching materials and methodology. Additionally, the project identified therewith-related challenges and possibilities for improvement. The results provide insights into the multifacetedness of language- as well as culture-related factors, which prove vital for learning processes. Moreover, the results reveal the complexities arising in connection with the incorporation of First Nations perspectives in classroom discourse. The data also point towards dimensions for improvement and recommendations for action for educators working in diverse classroom settings.
As growing linguistic and cultural diversity has become a global reality, this volume, addressing Australian First Nations perspectives, offers an important contribution to the field of contemporary education.
Jasmin Peskoller
Jasmin Peskoller is a researcher in the field of Foreign Language Education at the University of Innsbruck, Austria. Her research interests include cultural learning and global education as well as diversity-sensitive approaches to teaching and learning in the contemporary foreign language classroom.
For her outstanding research in the Australian educational context, she was awarded the Würdigungspreis by the Austrian Federal Ministery of Education, Research and Economy.
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Delivery time
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Delivery time 2-3 working days.
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| Illustrated by | Jasmin Peskoller |
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Number of Pages |
189
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Publication date |
19.10.2021
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Series |
Nota bene – Bilingualism and Intercultural Dialog
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Language |
English
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Format |
21,0 cm x 14,8 cm
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Type |
Paperback
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ISBN
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978-3-8382-1587-7
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Weight
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247 g
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“Jasmin Peskoller’s detailed and comprehensive research into the significance and importance of students’ first language and culture as it impacts on their learning is sure to inspire significant change in classrooms.
I believe her passion and soundly presented argument, supported by practical strategies for educators, will have a lasting impact on educational policies and therefore on individual lives. She is inspiring a renewed interest, awareness and appreciation of the linguistic and cultural challenges speakers of minority languages, in particular speakers of Aboriginal languages and Aboriginal English, have in our classrooms.
What I hope for is that Australia will harness its rich cultural and linguistic heritage as an educational force. Aboriginal English should be recognised as a language in its own right to the extent that it is a requirement for every Australian trainee teacher to complete a unit in it. Reading this monograph would be a great start.”— Margaret James, Linguist and Indigenous Education Specialist, Founder of 'The Honey Ant Readers'
“Jasmin has captured a vital story about the regarding importance of language to First Nations Australians. She bravely set off to explore through research at several schools along the Australian east coast up to the Tiwi Islands the importance of and the way in which Indigenous languages and cultures are considered in current teaching practice. The invading colonial bodies attempted to annihilate all First Nations Languages in Australia, so only English would be spoken. Our people were punished or killed for speaking and attempting to maintaining their languages which many remain strong and vibrant. The fact that that we have been able to hold on to these languages and take them up proudly again is worth celebrating. Jasmin has delivered a very worthy account of why language and culture remains a treasured part of our survival and sustainability.”
Professor Juanita Sherwood, Office of Indigenous Engagement
“The study provides valuable insights into aspects of bi- and multiculturalism as well as bi- and multilingualism in the context of Indigenous learners in Australia. Its results can be of interest for future research projects in contemporary Europe with its growing bi- and multilingual societies.”
Barbara Hinger, University Professor for Foreign Language Education
“The knowledge gained from the Australian context should be relevant for any educational institution, in which cultural and linguistic diversity characterize the everyday practice of teaching and learning.”
Austrian Federal Ministry of Science, Research and Economy
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