مرکز منطقه ای اطلاع رساني علوم و فناوري

Abstract :

The twenty-first century witness dynamic historical changes and challenges brought about by the globalization process. The world has become diverse with mixed cultures and traditions, and, for that reason, humanity has to learn how to live together and how to overcome traditionalism, nationalism, racism, and closeness. Currently, for the very reason, multiethnic, multicultural and multilingual world has been articulating the need for multicultural rather than centric education. However, what is the role of English language at International universities in enhancing effective learning process andmulticultural understanding and tolerance? What is the role of multicultural novels in English language? How multicultural novels can enhance multicultural understanding and tolerance among university students, in and outside the classroom? Certainly, the main purpose of teaching English language is to develop students’ general communicative ability, enabling them to use language effectively. However, apart from instilling in students effective communicative ability, the role of English teachers is to develop students’ awareness about other religions, cultures, and traditions bringing about multicultural understanding. In Bosnia-Herzegovina, for instance, centriceducation caused grouping in the classrooms and in the clubs, limiting interaction among ethnically different groups, and even stimulating hatred among the students (Perry, 2003: 11). Therefore, there is an urgent need to introduce multiple-perspective approach in English classroom by using multicultural novels to enhance learning process and, as well as, multicultural understanding.