Ms Prodanović obtained her PhD (2015) degree (English Language and Linguistics) at the Faculty of Philology, Belgrade University. The very same year, she became an assistant professor – and climbed to an associate one in 2020.
Prodanović has been teaching English at university level since 2012 (ESP, EAP, ELT, Pragmatics, Communication). She currently occupies the position of the Dean of the Faculty of Philology, Sinergija University, as well as the International Department Head.
Her fields of interest include but are not limited to: (Sub-) Branches of Micro-linguistics, as well as Intercultural Pragmatics, and emerging issues in ELT – she has addressed them in a number of scientific papers and four coursebooks.
Prodanović has actively participated in international projects and pursuits and (co-) organised ≥50 conferences, round tables, workshops – focused on current issues and trends in ELT/ESP/EAP, as well as language schools, aimed at encouraging multilingualism in the country (region). It is also a worthy note that she is the president of the English Language Association of Serbia, a co-editor-in-chief of SingiLogos journal, international lecturer, reviewer, and higher education consultant.
PRESENTATION TOPIC
LANGUAGE SENSITIVE TEACHING AND COMMUNICATION – EVERY WORD COUNTS
In the era where diversity has become a buzzword, its smooth integration into our teaching, learning and communication activities should not be a challenge. However, it seems that we might frequently find ourselves struggling to grasp all its complexities, and practically use them. Language sensitivity undoubtedly scores very high within the framework of the actions we can implement with the goal of embracing diversities. Being prudent when addressing different cultures, ethnicities, genders, as well as a whole spectrum of different (specific and special) needs can save our face in a number of scenarios – when communicating interculturally, teaching, learning, interacting per se. Given the impactful role language sensitivity plays in different spheres of human endeavour, we should not only be on the alert, but aware of its potential, nuances, and knowledgeable about how to integrate it into our classrooms, offices, i.e. our everyday life.
Keywords: Language sensitivity, communication, teaching, learning, diversity
SPEAKERS DANIEL STOLFI LYDIA MITITS