Needs, possibilities and contexts of introduction of content related to human rights to the teaching of polish as a foreign language

Abstract

The article discusses the introduction of subjects related to human rights to the language training cycle of foreigners studying Polish as a foreign language. The presented reflections are based on the results of projects implemented at the University of Zielona Góra in the period of 2017-2020. The recipients of these activities are mainly adult foreigners who, with great enthusiasm and mutual benefit, accept the extension of teaching content to include human rights issues. Talking on these topics is always associated with revealing the ideology and social philosophy adopted by the listeners (consciously or not). It activates listeners and allows for seamlessly transition from teaching vocabulary and grammar structures to relatively natural communication. It seems beneficial to expand the thematic vocabulary and communication roles by those forms that would teach the communication behaviours needed by foreigners in various situations in which their rights may be violated. The introduction of elements of human rights knowledge to teaching Polish language can create a broad and functional basis for intercultural dialogue, which has a great impact on learning motivation, shapes attitudes of activity and openness, and enriches interaction.