Social representations of the commercial nature of the English language among teachers in continuing education: convergence and divergence

Researcher: Raquel Silvano Almeida, PhD. (Unespar/PR/Brazil); Supervisor: Telma Nunes Gimenez, PhD. (UEL/PR/Brazil) Abstract This paper is based on 2015 doctoral research exploring how English is commercially perceived in a globalized, neoliberal context. The main objective was to identify how eight teachers, participating in a continuing education course at a northern Paraná state university, represented the… Leia mais Social representations of the commercial nature of the English language among teachers in continuing education: convergence and divergence

What’s Brazilian Santa like? (II)

In the light of decolonial contemporaneity and a global South perspective, what about Santa in the tropical hemisphere? What is Brazilian Santa like?  Have we ever thought of a full Brazilian representation of this Christmas character? Or else, have we ever wondered why Santa Claus’s niche sticks with our minds every year? The well-known old-bearded… Leia mais What’s Brazilian Santa like? (II)

SMILE

Smile, though your heart is achingSmile, even though it’s breakingWhen there are clouds in the skyYou’ll get by If you smile through your fear and sorrowSmile and maybe tomorrowYou’ll see the Sun come shining through, for you Light up your face with gladnessHide every trace of sadnessAlthough a tear may be ever so nearThat’s the… Leia mais SMILE

Languages in times of AI

Language is an intrinsic human attribute, serving as a fundamental tool for social interaction and the advancement of civilization. Over the centuries, language has transformed from ancient to modern forms, embodying the human essence of emotions, feelings, and cognitive currents. FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Is Artificial Intelligence superseding language as a distinctively human attribute? According to… Leia mais Languages in times of AI

Multilingualism in Brazilian Education

The National Common Curriculum Guideline in Brazil, also known as BNCC (2017), addresses multilingualism through the teaching of additional languages. It focuses on English as a compulsory language from the 6th grade onwards. The BNCC recognizes multilingualism as a communication tool that enhances participation in a globalized and plural world. The document emphasizes the importance… Leia mais Multilingualism in Brazilian Education

Where do language teachers fit into platformized curricula?

In this brief debate, we examine whether teachers’ autonomy is being eroded. We focus on the pedagogical mediation of the teaching and learning process. This concern stems from the mandatory implementation of virtual platforms in English-language classrooms. These platforms are a consequence of the educational policies set forth by local authorities in Brazil. The integration… Leia mais Where do language teachers fit into platformized curricula?

Cultural Industry and Foreign Language Teaching Materials

Contemporary society is immersed in a vast array of questionable cultural products offered for consumption. The current global economy is marked by globalization processes. These processes have intensified market competition in various contexts. The impact is particularly notable in the cultural sphere. In this sense, the commodification of culture in contemporary society makes it a… Leia mais Cultural Industry and Foreign Language Teaching Materials

CULTURAL DIMENSION IN LANGUAGE LEARNING

Language and culture are inextricably linked, as language expresses, incorporates, and symbolizes a culture (KRAMSCH, 1998). Language is a social tool because it manifests social reality. Each linguistic community has specific cultural characteristics. These include the way people think, see, and perceive the reality around them. They also involve how they dress and relate to… Leia mais CULTURAL DIMENSION IN LANGUAGE LEARNING