Peace Education in Foreign Language Classroom

Abstract

Due to the ever improving relations between the nations of the world in many respects for the last decades, foreign language teaching has been an area which occupies a large place in the agenda of every modern individual. Numerous studies have been carried out to realize effective foreign language teaching. Materials designed for this purpose are intended not only to teach the structural language, vocabulary, listening, speaking, reading and writing but also to present texts including knowledge in many different areas presumed to attract attention by learners. Because foreign language teaching materials are also essential course materials that can contribute to the cultural accumulation of learners, topics focusing on ‘peace’ as a concept indispensable for the present and future of mankind should also be included in the course material as much as possible. In this way, with a focus on peace as a common universal notion, the importance of peace in one’s country, peace with neighboring countries and peace in the whole world, students in every single county on earth may be conscious of the concept from a very early age. Growing with an understanding that peace is not an undeniable conclusion but an undeniable reason in every mutual relation, generations receiving peace education at school, especially in foreign language classes which allow flexibility in course content, may be more conscious of and insistent on peaceful approaches.

Keywords: peace; peace education; foreign language education; global citizenship; global friendship and understanding