Language learning and the raising of cultural awareness through Internet telephony: a case study

Abstract

This article seeks to assess the impact of V-Pal (Virtual Partnerships for All Languages) on the student language learning experience within a conventional UK higher education (HE) curriculum. V-Pal is an innovative computer-mediated language scheme, based on a reciprocal, distance-learning language project, run by the University of Manchester in collaboration with the University of Cagliari, Italy. The scheme seeks to promote cultural awareness-raising and language acquisition via a series of linguistic and cultural virtual encounters. It aims to enhance cultural sensitivity among participants; to stimulate them to reflect on their own culture by contrasting it with the target culture in a process of cross-cultural awareness; and to increase confidence in the use of the target language, in particular spoken skills. The project proposes one way of addressing the ever-changing needs of students by offering them opportunities for enhancing conventionally-taught classes independently of their tutor, but within a tutor-‘managed’ environment. This article explores the different stages of the pilot project and draws some conclusions based on data collected from participants. The initial positive results and the replicable features of the project suggest that V-Pal could be successfully exported to other HE settings as a means of enhancing cultural and language provision within the restrictions of conventional curricula.