Language for Peace Forum
language learning
Learning indigenous languages in Japan to rebuild identity
For many indigenous people around the world, language learning as peacebuilding comes in the form of fighting to learn and keep one’s native language in the face of political, social and cultural oppression. In Okinawa, an island annexed by Japan in 1879, language is key to revitalizing Okinawan culture and identity. Continue reading
Relationship key to communication and community
Daniel Siegel, Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the UCLA School of Medicine, and co-director of the Mindful Awareness Research Center, has done extensive work with connections among relationships, mind and brain in his neurobiological research. Relationship, it turns out, is an essential key to learning. Communication and community are interrelated. Continue reading
Recorded Webinar: Stories of Language Learning, Faith, and Building Peace
In this webinar, three educators share stories and reflections on their experiences of language learning as peacebuilding from a Christian faith perspective. Come join the discussion! Continue reading
Former British ambassador’s language skills prevent war
A recent article in The Guardian highlighted decreased funding for foreign language training for British diplomats. Oliver Miles, a former British ambassador, argues that language skills are an essential aspect of diplomacy and that “knowing the language is the key that unlocks the door” to building trust and relationships in another country. Continue reading
Join us for Stories of Language Learning, Faith, and Building Peace Webinar!
Join the Language for Peace community of language and peace educators and learners for our first online seminar: Stories of Language Learning, Faith, and Building Peace live on March 12, 2015 at 7:00 CST. Continue reading
A Picture of English in China
Joel Heng Hartse’s article English in China: A Miraculous and Conflicted Encounter reviews three books and includes reflections on his own experiences of teaching English. His review suggests that the three books “offer a picture of different yet overlapping areas of English in China Continue reading
Teaching English Learners Living with Trauma, Violence, and Stress
One important aspect of peacebuilding is dealing with the effects of violence and conflict. Students in language education settings come with various backgrounds which influence their learning and the classroom community. Check out TESOL International’s upcoming online seminar Teaching English Learners Living with Trauma, Violence, and Stress.
Language Learning as Tool for Resolving Worldview Conflicts
How can language learning help us to navigate the difficult experience of worldview conflicts? Peacebuilding becomes most challenging when the conflict is not the surface issue, but the difference in the ways that people organize their way of making meaning in the world and by which they make decisions about action. Most entrenched conflicts actually are not about the apparent issues, but these underlying ways of seeing the world that are opposed to each other. Language learning can provide essential tools for addressing these conflicts in constructive ways. Continue reading
Language & Peace Education with Johan Galtung
Renown peace studies specialist Johan Galtung speaks of language, peace education, culture and language learning in this interview with Donna J. McInnis for the Japan Association for Language Teaching. He emphasizes the connection of language learning with relationships and cultural understanding. Continue reading
Using “Activators” for Language Learning
Educators are always looking for practical ideas for livening up a class and engaging learners. These ideas, however, do not always need to be complex or even unique. Even a new spin on familiar tools, or asking the right question can do the trick. Continue reading
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