Language for Peace Forum
research
What a difference a word can make: How a single word can change your conversation
This article from TED about the nuances of language could have interesting implications for teaching or learning language from a peace perspective. What would it mean to recognize these cues in conversation and then look for opportunities to transform moments of misunderstanding and conflict? What would awareness of this in teaching bring to a language … Continue reading
Studies show language learning changes how you see the world
Recently several studies on perception and multilingual speakers have pointed to what language learners already know: even a little language learning will help you see the world differently. This has implications for abilities in communication and in seeing another’s point of view – essential in any conflict resolution and peacebuilding practice. Continue reading
Even a Little Language Learning Provides Benefits at Any Age
A recent article in the Medical Daily, Bilingual Benefits: How Learning Another Language Keeps Your Mind Sharp, No Matter Your Age, highlights the importance of even minimal language learning in keeping the brain healthy, even for older adults. Continue reading
Engaging students using “democratic conflict dialogue”
“Conflict dialogue” is defined as process of engaging participants in conversation about conflict topics and processes in democratic ways which can lead to building peace. Opportunities for this type of discussion are frequent in language education settings. But how do educators go about setting up a safe space for this kind of dialogue? Continue reading
Does Language Affect Thought?
The TED Blog post 5 examples of how the languages we speak can affect the way we think/ addresses the question of the relationship of thought and language. How does this influence perspectives on peace or violence?
Trying Harder Can Make Learning Language More Difficult for Adults
In Kelly Dickerson’s report Why Adults Struggle to Pick up New Languages, an experiment with adults shows that trying harder can actually make it more difficult to learn a language. Adults who were distracted with colouring actually picked up more of the functional grammar than those told to study for a test. How might this … Continue reading
Teaching empathy to reduce aggression
Intentional training in emotional intelligence for adolescents may lead to reduced violent behaviour, according to this research in Spanish secondary schools. Continue reading
Upcoming International Journal of Christianity and English Language Teaching
The Christian English Language Educators Association is collaborating with Biola University to publish an international journal for those interested in Christianity and English teaching… Continue reading
Christian Faith and English Language Teaching and Learning: Research on the Interrelationship of Religion and ELT
A recent book highlights a variety of voices from within English language education engaging issues related to connections of faith and language teaching… Continue reading
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