Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/langues-diversite
Are you fascinated by the intricate world of languages and how they shape our societies? Do you find yourself pondering questions like ‘How do we define a language?’ or ‘Are more people multilingual than monolingual?’ If these questions resonate with you, then Coursera’s “Langues et diversité: de la variation au plurilinguisme” (Languages and Diversity: From Variation to Plurilingualism) is a must-take course.
This MOOC, brought to you by experts in linguistics and didactics, offers a comprehensive exploration of language variation and plurilingualism. It tackles socially, politically, and didactically relevant questions, providing insightful answers and fostering a deeper understanding of linguistic diversity.
The course is structured into six insightful modules. It begins by delving into the definition, observation, and description of plurilingualism, encouraging learners to reflect on their own perceptions and explore the historical and theoretical contexts of multilingual competence. You’ll learn to identify the specific traces of plurilingual discourse and even question the very notion of ‘language’ in light of recent concepts like ‘translanguaging’.
Next, the course tackles the definition, observation, and description of linguistic variation. It examines how variation is understood in relation to norms and introduces various methodological approaches to studying it, illustrated with real-world research projects. This section effectively demystifies the concept of language variation, moving beyond simplistic notions of correctness.
The subsequent modules focus on social representations and norms surrounding both plurilingualism and linguistic variation. You’ll gain awareness of stereotypes and biases, explore different models of multilingualism management at territorial and national levels, and understand the challenges faced by minority or regional languages. The course also encourages critical thinking about the role of plurilingualism in science and education, even within the context of MOOCs themselves.
Finally, the course dedicates significant attention to the place of plurilingualism and variation in teaching and learning. It introduces the concept of ‘didactics of plurilingualism,’ highlighting approaches like intercomprehension and bilingual education. Practical resources and reference tools for bi-plurilingual work are shared. The final module addresses the crucial question of ‘which French to teach,’ emphasizing the importance of exposing learners to diverse language uses and how to incorporate linguistic variation into pronunciation teaching, referencing the CEFR’s updated descriptors.
**Recommendation:**
“Langues et diversité: de la variation au plurilinguisme” is an exceptionally well-crafted course that is both academically rigorous and highly accessible. The experts behind it clearly have a passion for their subject, and their enthusiasm is infectious. The modular structure allows for a progressive understanding of complex linguistic concepts, and the inclusion of real-world examples makes the material relatable and engaging. Whether you are a student of linguistics, a language educator, or simply someone curious about the fascinating ways humans use language, this course offers invaluable insights. It challenges conventional thinking and promotes a more inclusive and nuanced understanding of linguistic diversity. Highly recommended!
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/langues-diversite