Extract

In: Rudolf Muhr (ed.) (2012): Non-dominant Varieties of pluricentric Languages. Getting the Pic- ture. In memory of Michael Clyne. Wien et. al., Peter Lang Verlag. p. 349-362. Ana Raquel SIMÕES (University of Aveiro, Portugal) anaraquel@ua.pt Sara SOUSA (University of Aveiro, Portugal) smms77@hotmail.com Language teachers' practices, representations and knowlegde on intra-linguistic diversity: A case study in Portugal Abstract Considering the importance of language teachers as far as intra- linguistic diversity and language varieties are concerned, we developed a research project with Portuguese language (PL) teachers on that same topic. We inquired 7 Portuguese language teachers of a school by means of a semi-structured interview, in order to: characterize their linguistic profile; identify representations concerning languages and varieties of Portuguese languages, as well as of the norm; identify their knowledge about languages and PL in particular and collect data concerning their practices on intra-linguistic diversity. The interviews were subjected to a content analysis, where 3 main categories were created (knowledge, representations and practices concerning PL intra-linguistic diversity). The obtained results clearly demonstrate there are some challenges for teachers and for the school in general concerning the attitudes towards the varieties and the norm, not only inside the classrooms in the work developed with students, but also amongst colleagues and with re- searchers in terms of the dissemination and sharing of what is being done in the different domains. 1. Introduction Considering the importance of understanding the knowledge, representa- tions and practices of language teachers, in what intra-linguistic diversity and...