A Critical Auto/Ethnography of Learning Spanish

Intercultural competence on the gringo trail?

Nonfiction, Reference & Language, Education & Teaching, Educational Theory, Bilingual Education, Teaching, Language Arts, Study & Teaching
Cover of the book A Critical Auto/Ethnography of Learning Spanish by Phiona Stanley, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Phiona Stanley ISBN: 9781317482239
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: November 10, 2016
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Phiona Stanley
ISBN: 9781317482239
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: November 10, 2016
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

The premise that intercultural contact produces intercultural competence underpins much rationalization of backpacker tourism and in-country language education. However, if insufficiently problematized, pre-existing constructions of cultural 'otherness' may hinder intercultural competence development. This is nowhere truer than in contexts in which wide disparities of power, wealth, and privilege exist, and where such positionings may go unproblematized. This study contributes to theoretical understandings of how intercultural competence develops through intercultural contact situations through a detailed, multiple case study of three conceptually comparable contexts in which Western backpackers study Spanish in Latin America. This experience, often 'bundled' with home-stay, volunteer work, social, and tourist experiences, offers a rich set of empirical data within which to understand the nature of intercultural competence and the processes through which it may be developed. Models of a single, context-free, transferable intercultural competence are rejected. Instead, suggestions are made as to how educators might help prepare intercultural sojourners by scaffolding their intercultural reflections and problematizing their own intersectional identities and their assumptions. The study is a critical ethnography with elements of autoethnographic reflection. The book therefore also contributes to development of this qualitative research methodology and provides an empirical example of its application.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

The premise that intercultural contact produces intercultural competence underpins much rationalization of backpacker tourism and in-country language education. However, if insufficiently problematized, pre-existing constructions of cultural 'otherness' may hinder intercultural competence development. This is nowhere truer than in contexts in which wide disparities of power, wealth, and privilege exist, and where such positionings may go unproblematized. This study contributes to theoretical understandings of how intercultural competence develops through intercultural contact situations through a detailed, multiple case study of three conceptually comparable contexts in which Western backpackers study Spanish in Latin America. This experience, often 'bundled' with home-stay, volunteer work, social, and tourist experiences, offers a rich set of empirical data within which to understand the nature of intercultural competence and the processes through which it may be developed. Models of a single, context-free, transferable intercultural competence are rejected. Instead, suggestions are made as to how educators might help prepare intercultural sojourners by scaffolding their intercultural reflections and problematizing their own intersectional identities and their assumptions. The study is a critical ethnography with elements of autoethnographic reflection. The book therefore also contributes to development of this qualitative research methodology and provides an empirical example of its application.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book Military Ethics and Virtues by Phiona Stanley
Cover of the book Security Blurs by Phiona Stanley
Cover of the book Molecularizing Biology and Medicine by Phiona Stanley
Cover of the book A Critical Examination of Psycho-Analysis by Phiona Stanley
Cover of the book The Ashgate Research Companion to Modern Imperial Histories by Phiona Stanley
Cover of the book Weighty Issues by Phiona Stanley
Cover of the book Medicine, Health and the Public Sphere in Britain, 1600-2000 by Phiona Stanley
Cover of the book Diffractive Technospaces by Phiona Stanley
Cover of the book The Motor Car Industry in Coventry Since the 1890's by Phiona Stanley
Cover of the book Leading and Managing Indigenous Education in the Postcolonial World by Phiona Stanley
Cover of the book Critical Thinking and Formative Assessments by Phiona Stanley
Cover of the book Economic Transition in Historical Perspective by Phiona Stanley
Cover of the book China's New Consumers by Phiona Stanley
Cover of the book Millennial Teachers by Phiona Stanley
Cover of the book Teamwork in Medical Rehabilitation by Phiona Stanley
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy