Guest Lecture: "Cross-Cultural Understanding on Language Use and Teaching Practice"
On Wednesday, November 13, 2024, the S1 English Language Education and S1 English Literature programs at Universitas Negeri Surabaya (UNESA) collaborated to host a guest lecture on "Cross-Cultural Understanding in Language Use and Teaching Practices."
The event, aimed at the International Undergraduate Program (IUP) students in English Education 2023 cohort, sought to provide valuable insights into the importance of cross-cultural understanding for studying abroad.
To share the event advantages to surrounding community, IUP students of English Literature from the 2023 cohort were also invited to join the program.
The guest speaker, Kristine Mae R. Auayang, MAED, from the University of Saint Louis, serves as the Head of the Teacher Education/Language Department and has extensive experience navigating cultural differences in an academic setting.
Key Points of the Event:
1. Cross Cultural Understanding Fosters Inclusivity
Learning cross-cultural understanding broadens our perspectives on cultural differences and fosters critical thinking and empathy. As future educators, it is essential to recognize and address the biases of the individuals we will be teaching when confronted with cultural diversity. This awareness not only enhances our teaching practices but also promotes a more inclusive and respectful learning environment.
2. Influence of Culture on Knowledge
The language we speak reflects our cultural identities and social realities, with different cultures exhibiting distinct ways of communication. For International Undergraduate Program (IUP) students aspiring to study abroad, it is crucial to understand what may be considered offensive in language use, the significance of gestures across cultures, and the varying levels of formality in communication. This knowledge not only enhances their cultural competence but also prepares them for successful interactions in diverse environments.
3. Problems faced in Multi Cultural Classroom
Some students may struggle to grasp certain words, instructions, or cultural references. As future educators, it is essential for us to contextualize learning materials to ensure that students from diverse cultural backgrounds can fully comprehend the content. Employing code-switching can also enhance communication with individuals from different regions. Moreover, in a multicultural classroom, it is important to create a balance between teaching grammar and developing communicative skills.
The guest lecture encouraged participants to engage actively in discussions about cross-cultural understanding. Participants shared valuable insights on how they plan to apply their knowledge of cross-cultural understanding, whether as future educators or as prospective exchange students.
This guest lecture event is one of the many initiatives by UNESA aimed at preparing International Undergraduate Program (IUP) students for international exposure and cultural differences, preparing them to effectively navigate the challenges that arise from these experiences.
