Intercultural Components in the Multimodal Structure of a Language Learning Website

Published

2019-01-01

Componentes interculturales en la estructura multimodal de un sitio web para el aprendizaje de lenguas

Keywords:

Intercultural communicative competence, language learning websites, multimodal social semiotics (en)
competencia comunicativa intercultural, semiótica social multimodal, sitios web para el aprendizaje de lenguas (es)

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Authors

Alejandro Fernández Benavides

Abstract (en)
Abstract (es)

The emergence of language learning websites has generated changes in intercultural communicative practices. Particularly, these sites use a wide variety of modes of communication (visual, linguistic, spatial) which allow the presence of intercultural elements. This interpretative case study analyzes the semiotic structure of one lesson of the language learning website Livemocha in order to unveil the presence of intercultural elements in it. Data were analyzed following a method for multimodal analysis and Byram’s model of intercultural communicative competence. Findings suggest the essentialist view of culture on Livemocha, based on festivals and food, and the potential promotion of some of Byram’s intercultural skills.

La emergencia de sitios en línea para el aprendizaje de lenguas ha generado cambios en las prácticas comunicativas interculturales. Particularmente, estos sitios usan una amplia variedad de modos de comunicación (visual, lingüístico, espacial) que permiten la presencia de elementos interculturales. En este estudio de caso interpretativo se analiza la estructura semiótica de una unidad del sitio en línea para el aprendizaje de lenguas Livemocha con el fin de descubrir la presencia de elementos interculturales en él. La información se analizó siguiendo el método de Álvarez para el análisis multimodal y el modelo de competencia comunicativa intercultural de Byram. Los resultados sugieren la visión esencialista de Livemocha, basada en festivales y comida, y la potencial promoción de habilidades interculturales de Byram.

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