Cultural Learning with Lois Lowry's "The Giver"

Seminar paper from the year 2023 in the subject Didactics - English, grade: 1,3, , language: English, abstract: In this term paper, I would like to reflect on how the book could be used for intercultural learning with main focus on The Giver's different language culture, followed by practical implementations. A few centuries ago, in colonial times, an "only us, only now" world was one of the main themes. It was normal to see European culture as superior and to behave accordingly. Up to now, this thinking in relation to other cultures is still found in prejudices a How is that possible even though diversity of cultures is the new normal in Europe? Due to a lack of knowledge of each other and the resulting unfamiliarity, life in modern multicultural societies is more a next to each other than a together. To create a real multicultural society, it would be necessary to accept that there is no superior culture.
That does not mean that it is required to give up one's own culture. In fact, understanding the differences between self' and other is only possible by being aware one's own values and traditions. But realizing the precious variety of lifestyles and
understanding other belief systems will provide the competences to engage "with other cultures in respectful and empathetic ways".
As the classroom is also becoming more culturally diverse, it is important to teach these intercultural competences to maintain respect for one another, learn to appreciate plurality and prevent misunderstandings. Students should be aware of their own and the foreign cultural background, should be able to interpret and understand otherness and they should have the opportunity to talk and discuss different ways of life.
One possibility to create an intercultural learning situation in the classroom is to read books that include contents which can be used to initiate critical reflections. While discussing the book's ideas, students can reflect their own as well as the book's and other cultures. In this way, the conversations or lesson issues are never too personal or embarrassing for the students, since it is the book that is primarily discussed. As the students might have multiple cultural backgrounds, these differences are automatically considered and looked at as well. A popular book to read in schools is the utopian/dystopian novel The Giver by Lois Lowry. The loss of "colour and diversity" is one main theme in the book.