What Can the Study of Hebrew Learning Contribute to Applied Linguistics?

Discourse and Religion in Educational Practice

“…This is compounded by the diversification of the state school sectors, for instance with the proliferation of charter schools in the US and academies in the UK usually situated in multi-faith urban areas where religion may play a central role in the school's ethos and curriculum. A case in point is Avni's (2018) investigation of Jewish dual language charter schools in the US where Modern Hebrew and Jewish history are taught as part of the curriculum to students beyond the religious community, thereby rendering the link between language, ethnicity and religion problematic. As schools strive towards pluralistic, democratic and equitable approaches to education it is important for educators to inquire further into: (a) teaching and learning practices in out-of-school contexts that are meaningful to students' lives, religious settings being some of the most salient ones, (b) the opportunities and challenges for students and teachers of engaging with religious language and literacy practices in schools and classrooms and the potential academic, social and political learning students can accrue, and (c) the development of critical knowledge and pedagogies as well as professional preparation and support necessary for such engagement.…”