The Gift of the Stranger: Faith, Hospitality, and Foreign Language Learning

by David I. Smith

Book Overview

A pioneering look at the implications of Christian faith for foreign language education. It has become clear in recent years that reflection on foreign language education involves more than questioning which methods work best. This new volume carries current discussions of the value-laden nature of foreign language teaching into new territory by exploring its spiritual and moral dimensions. David Smith and Barbara Carvill show how the Christian faith...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0802847080
• ISBN13: 9780802847089
• Release Date: March 2000
• Publisher: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 0.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.1" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

Deep and extremely engaging

Dear Friends:I am just back from the International TESOL (Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages)Convention 2003, where I had the great privilege of hearing Dr. Smith speak. His topic was Language Teaching and Spirituality.Let me tell you that he impressed me as one of the finest language professors out there! His ideas were well thought out and incorporated strategies that engage students at a significantly deep level...not just according to Christian tradition...just "What kind of values and purpose do you have in your life today? What values would you like to see in yourself in 5 or 10 years from now? Is there ever a time when a person needs to stand up for what they believe in (like Sophie and Hans Scholl)?" These are all open-ended questions that do not force any sort of doctrine on the student, but only encourage them to think, think, think and explore! I believe his method incorporates language learning, great student interest and engagement, emotional intelligence, and values. Dr. Smith uses a certain textbook in his German classes, put out by Charis ...in England...very, very impressive. He claims his students learn just as much or MORE of the target language when they are asked questions that relate to their lives at such a deep level!The part about the responsibilities and privileges of the stranger (immigrant) and the host (society) were exceptional as well...truly enlightening and full of "ah-hahs". I firmly believe that this book could be used to teach language in any culture and any situation, as it guides the student to think about what matters to THEM in the target language (the one they are learning).This is authentic language learning for authentic purposes, people. Don't miss out on reading this gem! Your students and administration will thank you for years to come! :-)<...

Language Teaching and Christian Thought

How does Christian thought relate to foreign language teaching? At first thought, this question may not seem pertinent. Why would one's theology influence whether they used Krashen's model of language learning, Total Physical Response drills, or any other method or theory?The Gift of the Stranger answers these questions and others by applying the teaching of the Old and New Testaments of the Bible to these contemporary issues. The authors, both of whom identify themselves as Christians, argue that the biblical image of the "stranger" should be applied to language teaching. The added dimension of ethics and morality is a significant contribution to the field. The book argues that language teaching should prepare students to participate appropriately in the foreign culture as a stranger and to welcome strangers from this culture when they come to the student's home area.In addition to the biblical case studies, the authors also present fascinating historical notes on Christian language teaching programs throughout the Christian Era.I recommmend this book to all language teachers, even if they do not share the authors' Christian background. The book can help teachers consider how their own moral and ethical philosophy influences their choice of teaching materials and methods.