Sustainability refers to the capacity to endure and maintain well-being over the long term, taking into account ecological, economic, and social dimensions. It involves meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Sustainability often encompasses environmental conservation, social equity, and economic viability. Not surprisingly, in the area of “sustainable education,“ also known as sustainability education or education for sustainable development (ESD), sustainability has been advocated in the language learning domain as a potential target of teaching. This volume will cover various aspects relating to sustainability and sustainable practices in language learning such as
- Sustainable language curriculum: Develop language curricula that include topics related to sustainability, environmental issues, and social responsibility. Integrate vocabulary and discussions around these themes to raise awareness and promote a sense of global citizenship.
- Materials development: utilize materials that explore sustainability topics. This could include texts, videos, and other resources in multiple languages, providing learners with exposure to diverse perspectives on environmental and social issues.
- Language Exchange and Collaboration: Foster language exchange programs or collaborative projects with students from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds. This not only enhances language skills but also promotes cross-cultural understanding and collaboration on sustainability initiatives.
- Project-Based Learning: Implement project-based learning activities that focus on sustainability. Encourage students to work on projects that address real-world environmental challenges, conduct research, and present findings in the target language. This approach promotes critical thinking and application of language skills in meaningful contexts.
- Community Engagement: Connect language learning with community engagement initiatives. Students can participate in local sustainability projects, volunteer for environmental causes, or engage with community members to apply language skills in real-life situations while contributing to sustainability efforts.
- Digital Resources for Sustainable Learning: Utilize digital resources and platforms that align with sustainable practices. This includes choosing online tools with low environmental impact, promoting paperless learning, and encouraging responsible consumption of technology resources.
- Cultivate Eco-Friendly Practices: Integrate eco-friendly practices into the learning environment. Encourage recycling, reduce paper usage, and incorporate sustainable materials in classroom activities. Educators can model environmentally conscious behavior to instill a sense of responsibility in students.
- Language Learning Through Nature: Take advantage of outdoor and nature-based language learning experiences. Conduct language classes or activities in natural settings to foster an appreciation for the environment and incorporate vocabulary related to nature and sustainability.
- Incorporate Sustainable Literature: Include literature and texts that address environmental and social issues. This could involve reading books, articles, or poetry that explore sustainability themes, prompting discussions in the target language.
- Reflective Practices: Integrate reflective practices into language learning, encouraging students to consider the impact of language use on environmental and social issues. This can involve discussions on language choices, communication ethics, and the power of words in shaping attitudes toward sustainability.

Both theoretical papers (e.g. systematic reviews of literature, evaluation of sustainable practices, etc.) or empirical papers (e.g. best practice examples from your own research) will be covered in the volume. Please send abstracts (max. 200 words) to Dr. Pascal Hohaus ([email protected]).

Linguistic Field(s): Applied Linguistics
Discipline of Linguistics
Discourse Analysis

Subject Language(s): English (eng)