A LITERATURA NA AULA DE LÍNGUA ESTRANGEIRA E A COMPETÊNCIA INTERCULTURAL

Abstract

This paper demonstrates the relevance of literary texts for intercultural education in foreign language learning. Intercultural Competence (or multilingual and multicultural competence in the Common European Framework of Reference for Language) is an organizing principle in foreign language teacher training. Although literary education is sometimes regarded as irrelevant, literary reading implies openness, dialogical strategies, and tolerance towards indeterminacy and difference – all of which are desirable signs of intercultural competence. Intercultural critical awareness, defined by Byram as the main trait of an intercultural speaker, is more than just knowledge and skills, and presupposes certain attitudes and psychosocial resources, as well as the ability to deal with complex demands. Literature is a vital ground for training critical thinking, putting into play a sympathetic imagination for knowing the other. The intercultural context of literature also facilitates pedagogical approaches that take into account the possibilities of online communication and perspectives that reinforce the link between creativity and pedagogy.