Introduction to Language, Culture and Literacy in Foreign Language Learning

Abstract

The present volume examines the dynamic interplay and interconnected roles of language, culture, and literacy in foreign language education. This introductory chapter defines these three core constructs, explains their relevance to foreign language learning and teaching and provides a comprehensive overview of the volume’s structure and chapters. Overall, this collection features diverse international and interdisciplinary perspectives from scholars in language education, linguistics, literacy studies, and subject didactics across various countries and pedagogical settings. The Language section addresses academic registers, language awareness, plurilingual competence, and technology-enhanced teaching, including the role of artificial intelligence. The Culture section explores pedagogical approaches to cultural understanding and communication, emphasizing autobiographical reflection and intercultural cooperation. Finally, the Literacy section focuses on reading development, digital literacies, as well as multimodal feedback literacies. Collectively, the contributions combine theoretical approaches, empirical insights, and innovative practices, while emphasizing critical, holistic, and multidisciplinary perspectives that are key to transformative pedagogies in a globally interconnected world. To this end, the chapter concludes by sketching specific avenues for future research and teaching practice in the field of foreign language education.