Teaching language and intercultural competence through drama: some suggestions for a neglected resource

Abstract

This article argues that drama is an under-exploited resource in the foreign language classroom for promoting intercultural competence and developing an awareness of the interpersonal dimension embedded in the language we use. Drama also offers ample opportunities to explore nuances of the foreign culture as well as conflict situations and emotions which are seldom encountered in textbook dialogues and material, thus opening up to the students a world which is often denied to them in the foreign language classroom. Starting from a review of the different ways in which drama has so far been used in the foreign language classroom. The article then builds on the ethnographic approach proposed by Byram and Fleming (1998) and suggests practical examples of how drama can foster intercultural awareness and a sensitivity to emotions, moods, attitudes and identities expressed in the target language.