XYHX1001 Multilingual communication in multicultural teams (2–3 op)

Modern work life calls for multilingual and intercultural communication competencies. Working in many languages and in multilingual contexts is reality for many and multicultural teams and organizations have become ideal when seeking for innovations and creativity. During this course, phenomenon such as language, identity, multilingualism, and interculturality are discussed. The course is conducted in cooperation with the Chiba University / College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. This course aims at understanding of the complexity of the interplay of languages and cultures, and competencies needed in contemporary work life.

Topics
• Multilingual and intercultural communication – basic concepts and current trends in research and practise
• Uncertainty, ambiguity and other relevant phenomena in multilingual communication and intercultural encounters
• Language and identity
• Multicultural and multilingual teams
• Communication competencies / multilingual competence

Mode of study

The pedagogical foundation relies heavily on experiential learning (e.g. Kolb) and active learning (e.g. Bonwell & Eison; Revans). Learning methods include lectures, readings (to be specified later) discussions and exercises during the classes. Further, field visits, individual / group assignments are to be completed during the course, partly outside the lecture hours. Students are encouraged to contribute to the lectures actively through discussions.