Intercultural Components in the Multimodal Structure of a Language Learning Website

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...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Alejandro Fernández Benavides
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Universidad Nacional de Colombia 2019-01-01
Series:Profile Issues in Teachers' Professional Development
Subjects:
Online Access:https://revistas.unal.edu.co/index.php/profile/article/view/69951
Description
Summary: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.
ISSN:1657-0790