Sports as a Cultural Lens in the French Language Classroom

Jessica L. Sturm Purdue University, USA

ABSTRACT

Sports and sporting culture present a wealth of opportunities for communication and intercultural comparison in the French language classroom. Which sports are popular? Who practices them? When and how do people practice or consume their sports? Which sports are accessible to members of a community? Which structures exist in which areas? When asked such questions, students are prompted to relate the answers to their own cultures. This chapter will explore ways to investigate “little c” questions about sports and daily life in France and other French-speaking countries, followed by practical suggestions for integrating sports into a French language curriculum based in part on a culture course that I have developed and taught.

Keywords: classroom language learning, comparisons, connections, culture, pedagogy, sports