本书从语言教学的理论和实践两方面探讨了语言教学的环境和文化问题。在理论方面，作者阐述了环境和文化对语言教学所起的重要作用；在教学实践方面，作者评析了互为极端的教学法，提出了兼顾两极、全面施教的观点。

Contents

Asknowledgements

Preface

Introduction

Dubious dichotomies and deceptive symmerties

The importance of context in language education

A discourse Perspective

Notes

1Educational challenges

Of challenges and conditions

Challenge as action

Challenge as paradox

Challenge as dialogue

Double-voiced discourse

Dialogic breakthrough

Notes

2Contexts of speech and social interaction

What's in a context?

Discourse and culture

Contextual shaping

Conclusion

As with most matters cultural ,it is a question of emphasis.Apragmatically-oriented educational culture stresses the first goal and measures the effectiveness of language learning against the ability of learners to participate in socially appropriate verbal exchanges whith others.

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