According to Claire Kramsch “culture is the core of language teaching. Cultural awareness must then be viewed as enabling language proficiency”. Generally foreign language induces learners to adopt models of thinking, cultural aspects and values of the native language country. In the case of English as a universal language, focusing on the national and regional culture, could be an efficient pedagogy tool to motivate learners, build personality and save heritage.
In South-East Tunisia, The Ksar (plural ksour)is the best symbol of the regional culture. A’ ksar’ is a fortified warehouse, used by a community to protect and save crops, food and farming products. It is build from local materials with easy techniques. It is the center of the territory and the daily life of the community. There are more than one hundred ksour in the region with a huge variety of architectures, forms and locations.
The ‘ksar’ could be an efficient support and innovative pedagogy tool based on the learner’s culture. In fact, the ‘ksour’ can make this link between culture and language. The aim of this presentation is to introduce some examples using the ‘ksour’, a resourceful teaching material, in language teaching , such as creating digital stories, games, movies and songs. Hence, the ‘ksour’ games or digital stories can add more enthusiasm and motivation among learners and make a lesson more enjoyable.
The ‘ksour’ could be also a leitmotiv and an invaluable asset and support to develop some issues as: environmental awareness, heritage tourism and local development. There are no limits to innovation and creativity in using the ‘ksour’ in language teaching and learning.
General context
- Co-authors : Abdelfettah Kassah, Abdeddaiem Jebahi Boudhir
- Type : Workshop
- Conference : The 1st International Conference on Language Teaching Pedagogy : New directions in language teaching pedagogy : ICT, an impetus for change?
- Organiser : Higher Institue of Human Sciences of Medenine
- Date : 08 April 2016
- Place : Institute of Arid Regions – Medenine