Karen Risager, Professor Emerita at Roskilde University in Denmark, has extensively explored the interplay of language, culture, and identity through a transnational and global lens. Her research delves into the cultural dimensions of foreign language education and acquisition, as well as the cultural aspects of second language learning among migrants. Risager's work illuminates the intricate connections between linguistic practices and cultural shifts in our interconnected world, offering a nuanced perspective on multilingualism and identity formation.
This book presents a new and comprehensive framework for the analysis of representations of culture, society and the world in textbooks for foreign and second language learning. It points to the need for language learning materials to deal seriously with knowledge about the world, including its diversities and problems.
From a National to a Transnational Paradigm
Focusing on the complexities of teaching language and culture in today's interconnected world, the book critiques traditional methods rooted in national contexts. It advocates for a transnational framework that reflects the ongoing movement of people, goods, and ideas, offering a fresh perspective on language pedagogy. Through this lens, it examines how cultural teaching can evolve to better meet the demands of a globalized society.
Exploring the interplay between language and culture, this book introduces a novel theory that emphasizes their transnational and global connections. It posits that languages and cultures influence each other, flowing through social networks along distinct trajectories. This perspective highlights the dynamic exchange of linguistic and cultural practices, offering insights into how they shape and transform one another across different contexts.
Focusing on the challenges foreign language teachers encounter due to contemporary social and political changes, this book offers insights into their evolving responsibilities. The authors provide practical recommendations for educators on how to navigate these complexities while effectively contributing to the education of young people in today's society.