Publisher's Synopsis
The world is fast becoming a global village and the problems surrounding work in one country are often issues in other countries. Unemployment, career indecision, career decision making, work adjustment, and career education, among others, need attention in all countries. Learning another language not only provides practical communication skills, but has a unique role to play in developing cognition, literacy and cultural knowledge. Innovative technologies and media are frequently cited as a way to increase access to information and entertainment in a foreign language, provide interaction with speakers of other languages, and improve foreign language teaching in the classroom. Knowledge of the different methods gives foreign language teachers a good background reference to their own stand on pedagogical matters and classroom practice, and in addition helps them understand the process that FLT has undergone, particularly through this century. To consider FLT as a process means that teaching is not static but changing to respond to new needs and demands as teachers, applied linguists and educationists can prove. This volume focuses on essential aspects of modern foreign languages teaching. A theoretical perspective underpins the practical focus, and account is taken of statutory requirements. The main purpose of this volume is to provide a critical assessment of the role played by methods in the educational process, though there is also an account of the main different methods of foreign language teaching (FLT) that are in use today. The nature, contexts and purposes of using language and languages for communication are increasingly complex and ever-changing in our multilingual and multicultural world where people use different languages and dialects for different purposes in a range of different contexts. The need to communicate (that is, creates and exchange meanings with diverse peoples both within and across cultures, and uses a variety of communication technologies) requires a sophisticated understanding and use of language and languages. Through the experience of communicating across cultures and reflecting on that process, people develop an intercultural capability and sensitivity.
