A Multicultural and Gender-Sensitive Approach to Language Learning: Insights from Colombian Indigenous Women

Author Information

Zoila Liliana Giraldo Martinez, Universidad de Caldas, Colombia
Angela Patricia Velásquez Hoyos, Universidad de Caldas, Colombia

Abstract

English has historically been associated with colonialism, often used to assert dominance over colonized societies by influencing their cultural and social dynamics. However, its role has evolved in recent decades. Many former colonies now use English as a lingua franca, fostering trade, multiculturalism, and diplomacy. Despite this progress, indigenous women still face significant barriers to bilingual education, which is often scarce. Providing indigenous women with educational opportunities that preserve their linguistic and cultural diversity is crucial. A multicultural, gender-sensitive approach to teaching English can help address the challenges indigenous women in Colombia face, such as limited access to higher education, lower enrollment rates, and higher illiteracy levels compared to the national average. From this perspective, we conducted a case study with 18 women from diverse Indigenous communities across different regions of Colombia. This case study, initiated by Universidad de Caldas in collaboration with the Colombian Network of Indigenous Women in Academia (RedColmia), aimed to enhance participants' academic English through a year-long online program. Bi-monthly sessions, led by university professors and international guests, examined Earth-related themes through texts by Indigenous writers addressing historical exclusion of Indigenous women in academia. Data were gathered via semi-structured surveys and participants’ work. While concerns about language erosion were discussed, participants highlighted English as an empowering tool. The findings show that learning English through a gender-sensitive, multilingual approach fosters cultural appreciation, identity redefinition, and the sharing of Indigenous perspectives, offering valuable insights into language, culture, and academic empowerment.

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