Module description
This module has been developed through an exciting international collaboration with seven institutions across the UK and Europe. Teaching content has been designed by international experts in various fields of cultural competence, linguistics and translation/interpreting. Each week, teaching content will tackle a theoretical and practical aspect of multilingualism and multiculturalism, in the context of topical issues, such as generative AI, climate change, democracy, global health, equality and diversity, and civic responsibilities. Having a second or third language can be an advantage, but the module does not require students to be multilingual.
Assessment details
Engagement (30%), 3000 word essay (70%)
Educational aims & objectives
- to develop cultural competency in the context of multiculturalism and multilingualism (M&M), particularly through learning from translation and interpreting studies in the age of artificial intelligence (AI).
- to provide students with an essential understanding of the topic and the skills to learn to effectively navigate the complexity of M&M in real-world situations.
- to challenge students to go beyond the recognition of the coexistence of cultures and languages, by actively engaging them in discussions centred around democracy, climate change and global health.
- To prepare students to critically analyse and participate in these crucial dialogues in the future.
Learning outcomes
- compare and contrast the key concepts in multilingualism & multiculturalism (MM).
- apply key concepts from MM and translation and interpreting to make sense of and effectively participate in intercultural encounters in physical and digital contexts.
- communicate sensitively and with empathy in a range of academic, institutional, professional, and personal contexts.
- Engage with contemporary debates over issues such as, digital literacy, global health, social justice, equity and diversity, climate change, taking a culturally competent approach.
Teaching pattern
Per Week: 1 hour compulsory e-learning; 1 hour in-person seminar.
Suggested reading list
- Edmonds, Rosalie (2021), “Multilingualism and Climate Justice: The Role of Linguistic Diversity in Environmental Conservation”, in Journal of Sociolinguistics 25, (3), p. 478-483.
- Stein-Smith, Kathleen (2016), “The Role of Multilingualism in Effectively Addressing Global Issues: The Sustainable Development Theory and Practice in Language Studies”, 6 (12), p. 2254-2259.
- Kurdi, M. S. (2023). The Role of Technology in Promoting Cultural Competence: A Comprehensive Review in Multicultural Education. The International Conference on Education, Social Sciences and Technology (ICESST).
- Bradley, Jessica (ed.) Translanguaging as Transformation: The Collaborative Construction of New Linguistic Realities (Blueridge Summit; Multilingual Matters, 2020)
- Maria Diaz-Millon (2023), “Towards a definition of transcreation: a systematic literature review”, Studies in Translation Theory and Practice, 31 (2), p. 347-364.
- Shuangyu Li, Katherine Miles, Riya E. George, Candan Ertubey, Peter Pype & Jia Liu (2023): “A critical review of cultural competence frameworks and models in medical and health professional education: A meta-ethnographic synthesis”,BEME Guide No. 79, Medical Teacher.