The child’s voice

This chapter explains social constructivist approach to teaching and learning, and examines how people are shaped by language and culture. It also addresses why teaching should explain some historical origins of the vocabulary of the language being learned. The historical basis of modern Spain, its language and culture, differs from the evolution of other languages and cultures. So Spain, the Spanish culture and language are used as an exemplar, but with the intention to apply the implications more widely. The chapter begins with a brief overview of social constructivist views relevant to the discussion of culture, language and identity. It then continues by applying social constructivism to the development of intercultural understanding. It also considers foreign languages in Primary Schools in England, by focusing on how intercultural understanding may be fostered at the same time, fulfilling the requirements of the national curriculum, which was revised with effect from September 2014.