Professor Joseph Shaules

The Language Teacher as a Cultural Learner

Language learning is a key which opens a door to another cultural world. Thus, language teachers must be both language experts and guides for cultural exploration. This role of cultural "expert" involves many challenges in terms of: cultural knowledge, pedagogy (e.g. including cultural components in teaching), classroom management (for foreign teachers especially), and acting as a cultural learning role model. This presentation will suggest that cultural "expertise" is not possible, and that these challenges are best met by engaging in an active process of cultural learning. To be an "expert" means being a learner. It will point out some common pitfalls teachers may fall into, and give tips for being a more effective cultural guide for students.

Born in California, Joseph Shaules (PhD) has worked in language and intercultural education for more than 20 years. He is a specially appointed associate professor at the Rikkyo Graduate School of Intercultural Communication in Tokyo. He is a successful author, with books including Identity (Oxford University Press), and Deep Culture: The Hidden Challenges of Global Living (Multilingual Matters). His most recent book is A Beginner's Guide to the Intercultural Experience (Intercultural Press). He is a co-presenter of the NHK television program English Through the News. He does intercultural training in Japan, and has lived and worked abroad (Mexico, Japan, and France) for more than 20 years. He is proficient in English, Japanese, French and Spanish. He created the PICO Intercultural Learning System and is the director of the Japan Intercultural Institute.