Teaching and Learning Intercultural Competence: "La Journée de la Jupe" as a Didactic Proposal for FFL in a University Context

Abstract

Language teaching involves not only learners’ linguistic development but also their cultural learning, which naturally leads them to reflect on both mastery of the language and the historical and social circumstances of the country where it is spoken. In the European educational framework, the content of university programmes for future Foreign Language teachers, as well as the curricula for primary and secondary education in this area, promote the development of students’ multilingual and multicultural competence. This encourages greater social awareness, fostering tolerance towards diversity and integration within EU countries.

Regarding this, we consider that the French-Belgian film La journée de la jupe is a highly suitable pedagogical resource for our university students training to become teachers of French as a Foreign Language, as it clearly illustrates the cultural and linguistic diversity present in French schools—a model of a multicultural society—which often leads to clashes and intolerance among students and other citizens. In this article, we propose a didactic approach consisting of a series of activities—based on the viewing of this film—designed to prompt mature, professional reflection among future teachers, who will bear the responsibility of educating today’s children and young people in the respect and practice of democratic rights.