PROJECT LEARNING AND FOREIGN LANGUAGE TEACHING IN HIGHER EDUCATION

Abstract

Purpose. The study aims to integrate theoretical and applied linguistic knowledge and a project method of teaching a foreign language thus assimilating socio-cultural stereotypes of the native and foreign languages in comparison. Methodology. The article describes a project method that has been implemented in teaching English to young athletes. The study has made use of systematic, culturological, linguocognitive methodological approaches. The empirical base rests on the linguistic studies of terminological systems and socio-cultural stereotypes. The main results of the research conducted are the following: improvement of the language skills of the students involved, building the understanding of the cognitive processes of language nomination in Russian and English in comparison in the students’ mind. Since these processes are based on the worldviews peculiar to each language, as a result of studying the nomination mechanisms, students add to their knowledge of the socio-cultural stereotypes characteristic of each of the above languages. Practical implications. The applied method of involving students of non-linguistic specializations into language studies has as a result in the formation of a deeper understanding of the essence of the interaction of languages and peoples as social communities. This research area is prospective for further studies.