Dialogue in Intercultural Communities

Book excerpt: This book explores the meanings of educational interactions which aim to promote peace and positive relationships. This analysis is based on theories of communication and active participation in education systems, in particular in intercultural settings. The book investigates the cultural presuppositions of dialogues which can empower participants expressions in interactions through the management of discussions and conflicts. These presuppositions are observed in the use of language in participants narratives and interactions. The book draws on the fine-grained analysis of a large corpus of questionnaires, interviews and videotaped interactions collected in 12 camps promoted by CISV (Children s International Summer Villages), an international organisation which is active in 70 countries. The analysis encompasses both organisational meetings and educational activities involving adults, children and adolescents of several nationalities, and shows the importance of the different ways in which the adults who coordinate these meetings and activities act and use language. These different ways of acting in interactions can promote both empowering dialogues and disempowering monologues, with important consequences for the fulfilment of educational purposes. For its contents, theoretical framework and methodology, the book may be of interest for educators, teachers, experts in mediation, scholars and students in cultural sociology, sociolinguistics, communication studies, discourse studies and dialogue studies."