This module is set in the context of a rapidly changing Irish society where multiculturalism and multilingualism have become everyday realities. This module aims to equip the learner with the knowledge skills and competence required to understand issues relating to language in contemporary Ireland, to empathise with non-native speakers of English, and to communicate across language barriers. Other language barriers considered include gender and low levels of literacy. Learners will be given the opportunity to learn a new language over a few sessions and reflect on the challenges faced by non-native speakers. Skills in communicating through English clearly will be developed to facilitate communication with both native and non-native speakers, in both oral and written form.
Language
• Language and communication • Acquiring a first language.• Acquiring a second language.• The benefits of bilingualism.• Profile of language speakers in Ireland and Dublin 15.
Communicating across cultures
• The stranger / the other. • Language and behaviour in different cultures. The challenge of learning a new language• Culture shock.• Stumbling blocks in intercultural communication
Practical strategies for communicating with non-native speakers of English
Identifying features of language which may cause difficulties for non-native speakers of English such as • Figurative language / idioms / metaphors.• Pitfalls in English: words with multiple meanings / phrasal verbs.• Issues with writing, spelling and numbers.• Registers of language, slang and Hiberno-English.• Simplifying, checking and confirming information.
Literacy as a barrier to communication
• Overview of issues of literacy in Ireland.• NALA’s Plain English approach to producing documentation for people with low literacy. • Practical strategies for producing written texts for people with low literacy (native speakers or non-native speakers).
Gender as a language barrier
Differences in male / female communication styles and implications for working with groups in community and youth work contexts. The topic also includes differences in language use in LGBTQ contexts.
Documents dealing with Diversity
Key documents such as the Migrant Integration Strategy and A Diversity Toolkit for the Youth Work Sector.
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Other Assessment(s) | 50 |
| Formal Examination | 50 |