The Languages and Linguistics Unit and the Philosophy Unit of ATINER, will hold a Stream on “The Teaching Philosophy in FLs Today” as part of the 11th Annual International Conference on Languages & Linguistics, 9-12 July 2018, Athens, Greece sponsored by the Athens Journal of Philology.

The aim of the stream is to conduct a discussion of the philosophy as the most general principles which guide practitioners in the teaching of foreign languages and which imbue the practice with credible orientation and with a rationale in the choice of methods and means. Although linguistic research and linguistic-cultural heritage cannot be directly applied in pedagogy, some general knowledge can be drawn from them.

Of principles, combining work and pleasure, differentiating the categories of exercises per age groups and programmes can be reviewed with reference to Plato and Aristotle on teaching music; an introduction of some obligatory learning can be considered in contrast to modern liberalism and in line with Aristotle’s not only play but training of the body and respecting the peace of the soul. Later resources may be reassessed if wrongly interpreted.

Assuming with Henry G.Widdowson that communicative language teaching relates to the purpose rather than the process of teaching, a criticised structural approach would not be denied as relevant and not contradictory to this approach: “the emphasis on structures was associated with the process of language” and did not “preclude a communicative purpose”. The classics can be appreciated for the age of schooling, subject choice, the motives and more.

You may participate as presenter of one paper, chair or/and organizer of a session, or observer.

Fee structure information is available on www.atiner.gr/fees.

Special arrangements will be made with a local hotel for a limited number of rooms at a special conference rate. In addition, a number of special events will be organized: A Greek night of entertainment with dinner, a special one-day cruise to selected Greek islands, an archaeological tour of Athens and a one-day visit to Delphi.