Tandem Language and Intercultural Learning

in Higher or Secondary Education Settings

ALCTES 2017 - Paris, 23rd and 24th March

TANDEM

We are pleased to welcome you to the first edition of this international symposium on: Tandem Language and Intercultural Learning, which will be held at the International University Campus in Paris (Cité Internationale Universitaire), France, from 23rd to 24th March 2017. 

The origins of tandem language and intercultural learning can be traced back to collaborative practices introduced by the Franco-German Youth Office (L’Office Franco-Allemand de la Jeunesse – OFAJ) after the Second World War, which aimed at fostering cooperation between young French and German people through linguistic and cultural exchanges. The work of Brammerts (Bochum University, 1993, 2003, 2006) and Calvert (University of Sheffield, 2001) led to further development of this approach throughout Europe. Their Lingua D project, initiated in the late 1990’s, set out to extend the tandem approach from universities to secondary schools in France (Reymond, Tardieu, 1998), Germany, the UK and Spain. Research conducted by Brigitte Helmling (2002, 2003) also contributed to consolidating this practice and establishing it in universities and specialist higher education institutions in support of student mobility across different European countries (more specifically, Germany, Spain, the UK, Romania and France).

Tandem learning is based on two main principles: autonomy, whereby learners are responsible for defining their own objectives and how and when they will exchange (following Holec’s definition, 1981) and reciprocity, which demands a commitment from learners to use both languages equally whether it be in face-to-face or distance learning settings or for written or oral exchanges. The tandem approach also implies that the two partners will seek to learn or improve their mastery of each other’s culture and language.

However, it is clear that these original principles are not always adhered to when contextual factors and constraints are taken into account (the composition and profile of student cohorts, availability of native speakers, etc.). It is relevant to consider the integration of tandem learning in terms of a continuum ranging from total respect for the founding principles to somewhat wider interpretations.

What are the organisational and pedagogical implications of setting up a tandem language learning programme? What is the current state of research in this domain? Has the rise in new technologies encouraged the growth of distance tandem learning (teletandem and etandem) over face-to-face tandem methods? In short, how is this practice being institutionalised in higher education settings and how is it integrated into the language teaching/learning programmes aimed at both our own university students and also internationally mobile students. 

Plenary speakers

- Karin Kleppin (Bochum, Germany)  

- Lars Schmelter (Wuppertal, Germany)

- José Maria Tejedor Cabrera (Sevilla, Spain)

Conference Venue

Cité Internationale Universitaire de Paris,

17 boulevard Jourdan

75014 Paris, FRANCE