164 pages
247mm x 168mm
ISBN-10: 1 85856 334 8
ISBN-13: 978 1 85856 334 3
January 2005

'...this thought-provoking volume has much to offer those with a specific interest in the teaching of English, MFL and citizenship, as well as those more generally concerned with teacher training, curriculum policy and education studies'. -Comparative Education

This volume breaks new ground by bringing together and synthesising contributions from practitioners and researchers in language teaching and citizenship. It draws on the work of the British Council in developing education for citizenship and good governance through language teaching.

Language teachers across the world are increasingly recognising their role as teachers of intercultural communication. Language learning develops skills for communication across cultural boundaries. The quality of the communication depends on respect, tolerance and acceptance of basic standards of human rights such as equality and dignity.

The book develops a theory and practice of language teaching and learning for citizenship based on understanding and implementing human rights in education. It explores representations of cultures; curriculum and pedagogical frameworks; issues of equality and diversity. Case studies are drawn from a range of learning contexts in Latin America, Europe and Asia and consider young disadvantaged learners; e-learning exchanges; developing critical cultural awareness; civic education and language teaching; women's studies; and empowerment strategies for life long learning.

The book will be essential reading for teachers and students of languages (including TESOL and EAL), for teachers and students of citizenship, and for those responsible for curriculum policy and the training of teachers.

Audrey Osler is Director of the Centre for Citizenship and Human Rights, University of Leeds. Hugh Starkey is a member of CCSE and Senior Lecturer in Citizenship Education. Contributors to this volume are drawn from the lecturers and participants at the 2003 British Council International Seminar on Citizenship and Language Learning, which they directed.