Portuguese as a Foreign Language: Teaching and Learning in the United States: A Dissertation

Author

Celia Bianconi, Lesley University

Date of Award

2012

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

PHD - Doctor of Philosophy

Department

Education

Abstract

This dissertation reviewed the history of foreign language education in the United States relating it to political and economic world events. A quantitative study and a hypothesis generating case study revealed the motivation of learners of Portuguese as a foreign language. Portuguese teachers in higher education in the United States were surveyed and three recently published Portuguese textbooks were analyzed. The results showed that the main reasons that motivate students to learn Portuguese as a foreign language are interest in Brazilian culture, plans to travel in a Portuguese-speaking country, familiarity with Spanish language, skills needed to reach professional goals and being part of a Portuguese-speaking community. Faculty currently teaching Portuguese as a foreign language are mostly women with Ph.D. degrees who have experience and training in the field. The analysis of the three Portuguese textbooks looked at their cultural content and showed that there are particular cases where the interpretation of cultural content goes beyond the factual aspect of the situation.

Language

English

Number of Pages

163

Embargo Period

6-6-2017

Recommended Citation

Bianconi, Celia, "Portuguese as a Foreign Language: Teaching and Learning in the United States: A Dissertation" (2012). Educational Studies Dissertations. 43.
https://digitalcommons.lesley.edu/education_dissertations/43