Unit 11: Ethics of Cultural Representation in Language Teaching
Conditions d’achèvement
This
unit explores the ethical responsibilities involved in representing cultures
within the language classroom. It examines the risks of stereotyping, cultural
appropriation, and colonial bias in teaching materials and practices, while
encouraging teachers to foster respectful and accurate intercultural dialogue.
The unit promotes inclusive pedagogy by highlighting strategies for
decolonising curricula, engaging learners critically with cultural content, and
amplifying underrepresented voices. By the end of this unit, students will be
able to recognize ethical dilemmas in cultural representation and develop
practices that support empathy, diversity, and fairness in language education.
10. Conclusion
Teaching
culture ethically requires continuous reflection, intentionality, and respect
for complexity. As educators, we must move beyond superficial or one-sided
representations and instead promote critical engagement with cultural
diversity. This unit reinforces the idea that ethical language teaching
involves not just what we teach, but how and whose voices we center. In doing
so, we empower students to become thoughtful, inclusive communicators in a
globalized world.
