We celebrate the 600th anniversary of Leipzig University and the 23rd Conference on Foreign Language Learning by considering border crossings made by distinguished foreign language learners, i.e., those whose language competence is at an extremely high level. What can six diverse, distinguished language learners teach us about border crossings – educational, linguistic, cultural, social, psychhological, and sometimes spiritual or philosophical – in foreign lannguage learning, based on Dr. Oxford's case study research? These distinguished language learners, who differ in many ways, nevertheless revealed commonalities. They were dedicated and motivated, as well as resilient in times of difficulty. They developed their own special learning strategies and altered them as proficiency increased. They moved along their own personal "interlanguage" trajectories, where the two languages mix, and they increasingly purified and strengthened their new languages. They learned the target cultures along with their new languages and, through smooth or rocky experience, expanded their identities. Several of these distinguished learners examined their ultimate purposes, for instance, to employ their foreign languages for greater intercultural communication, social justice, and the betterment of humanity. The paths taken by these six distinguished language learners can help us understand what effective learning entails and how language teachers can best facilitate learning. Rebecca L. Oxford is Professor of Second Language Education and Culture and Distinguished Scholar-Teacher at the University of Maryland, USA. She is a well-known lecturer and has presented her work in approximately 35 countries. She has authored and edited books on language learning strategies and motivation and on teaching methodology. Dr. Oxford's most recent research involves two strands: narratives of language learners (including distinguished language learners) and the language of peace. She is a co-editor of a book series on transforming education for the future. She has received awards for research, teaching, technology, and mentoring. A 2002 international lifetime achievement award stated, "Dr. Oxford's research has changed the way the world teaches languages". |
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