Teaching Differences: Presenting U.S. Literature in Vilnius, Lithuania
Keywords:
cross-cultural teaching, U.S. literature abroad, pedagogical challenges, cultural preconceptions, literary diversityAbstract
This article analyzes the cross-cultural challenges and insights encountered while teaching U.S. literature in Vilnius, Lithuania. The author contends that initial moments of cultural interaction can be fraught with misunderstandings and communication barriers, requiring patience, openness, and generosity. This study examines how preconceptions about U.S. literature and Lithuanian academic culture were both challenged and reinforced during the teaching experience. The paper explores the curriculum design process, highlighting the inclusion of diverse voices in contemporary U.S. literature, such as immigrant experiences and marginalized perspectives. The author demonstrates the complexities of presenting Walt Whitman and Emily Dickinson as foundational poets in a Lithuanian context. This work investigates the dynamics of authority and questioning within the academic environment, noting the reluctance of students to challenge the instructor's choices. The significance of this article lies in its reflective approach to cross-cultural pedagogy, offering valuable insights for educators teaching American literature abroad.
The abstract and keywords were prepared retrospectively for indexing purposes using AI-assisted tools and editorial review, based on the original article. They did not appear in the original publication.)
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