Socio-cultural Competence of Heritage Language Classes in Czech Diasporas: Experiences and Possible Methods of Teaching
Abstract
Around 2-2.5 million people outside the borders of the historical Czech lands still declare their Czech heritage. In numerous diasporas, Czech expats still preserve the Czech language and culture, often through formal education.
What kinds of materials and methods of presentation do various instructors of Czech language use in teaching language to diverse age groups to strengthen students' socio-cultural competences? According to teachers' experience, which methods and materials are proven to be the best? What are the specific characteristics of socio-cultural knowledge and skills learning outside the borders of the Czech Republic, considering also the presence of various generations of expats, and waves and motivations of emigration? What areas of socio-cultural knowledge are students most interested in and which new facts are surprising for them? What is the role of "lingvoreálie" (linguistic facts) in such Czech classes? What knowledge of Czech socio-cultural competence do students of heritage language bring from their families and ethnic Czech organizations?