3D in history of the English language: Learning a L2 through history, context and cross-cultural experiences

Abstract

Given the four elements involved in having a communicative competence, it could be argued that learning a L2 does not only involve overcoming linguistic differences, but also cultural ones. Following a double conceptualization of “culture”, we will show our experience as teachers of History of the English Language (HEL), and the potential usefulness of the diachronic axis in developing the critical intercultural awareness needed to master a foreign language. This wider cultural approach results in a more accurate linguistic intuition in the L2, which is a consequence of the critical intercultural spirit developed by the students.