The perception of French people by English students: Findings from the Durham cultural studies project
Titel:
The perception of French people by English students: Findings from the Durham cultural studies project
Auteur:
Esarte-Sarries, Veronica Byram, Michael
Verschenen in:
Language culture and curriculum
Paginering:
Jaargang 2 (1989) nr. 3 pagina's 153-165
Jaar:
1989
Inhoud:
The paper presents preliminary results of a research project on the effect of language teaching on young people's perceptions of other cultures. Interview data on the alleged appearance of French people are presented and discussed under the headings (1) physical appearance, (2) facial expressions and behaviour, and (3) dress. Some correlates of general attitude are also reported. Girls generally have a more positive attitude towards the French than boys, and the attitudes of younger students tend to be more extreme and stereotyped than the attitudes of older pupils. School and class variables, including the teacher, appear to be of considerable importance, although achievement in French does not correlate with positive attitude. It is argued that the educational strategy of reaffirming the basic similarity of all peoples, however well-intentioned as a counter to prejudice and stereotypes, is not an effective basis for a programme of Cultural Studies. Differences must be recognised and situated in a coherent description of the foreign people and their culture.
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