Dr. Thomas Tinnefeld is a Full Professor of Applied Languages at Saarland University of
Applied Sciences in Saarbrücken, Germany. Since 2022, he has held the position of President of
the Language Council of Saarland.
He is the founder and chair of the biennial Saarbrücken International Conferences on Foreign
Language Teaching and serves as the editor of the Saarbrücken Series on Linguistics and
Language Methodology (SSLLM). Additionally, Thoma is the editor of the Journal of
Linguistics and Language Teaching (JLLT), which features a distinguished editorial and
advisory board comprising members from universities around the globe.
Thomas has published extensively in English, French, German, and Spanish linguistics and
methodology. His research interests encompass applied linguistics and language methodology,
particularly in languages for specific purposes, grammar and grammaticography, writing
research, and interculturality. Beyond his academic responsibilities, he has contributed as a
guest, plenary, and keynote speaker at several national and international conferences.
Dr. Tinnefeld’s Presentation:
Title: Bilingualism and Cross-Culturalism: European Insights and Reflections
Thomas Tinnefeld – Saarland University of Applied Sciences (htw saar)
Email: thomas.tinnefeld@htwsaar.de – ttinnefeld@gmail.com
Abstract
This presentation deals with the themes of bilingualism and cross-culturalism, offering insights
and reflections from a European viewpoint. In recent decades, Europe has seen a surge in
activities aimed at fostering understanding among diverse cultures, primarily through enhancing
communication in multiple languages. The talk begins by outlining the broader European context
before focusing on the bicultural dynamics between Germany and France, particularly in the
Saarland region, where geographical proximity has facilitated rich cultural interactions.
Furthermore, the talk emphasises the significant role of language policy in shaping linguistic
situations and fostering cross-cultural understanding, even when it is not the primary focus of the
discussion. By clarifying the definitions and relevance of bilingualism and cross-culturalism, this
presentation aims to highlight their interconnectedness and the importance of these themes in
promoting social cohesion and cultural appreciation within Europe. Ultimately, it seeks to
contribute to the ongoing dialogue about the benefits and challenges of living in a multilingual
and multicultural society.
References
Bathia, Tej K. & Willian C. Ritchie (2014): The Handbook of Bilingualism and Multilingualism. Second Edition. Chichester: Wiley.
Butler, Y. G. (2014). Bilingualism/Multilingualism and Second-Language Acquisition. In T. K. Bhatia & W. C. Ritchie (Eds.), The Handbook of Bilingualism and Multilingualism (2nd ed., pp. 109-136). Malden, MA: Wiley-Blackwell.
Candelier, Michel (2007): A travers les Langues et les Cultures – Across Languages and Cultures. Graz: ECML. (https://www.ecml.at/Portals/1/documents/ECML-resources/ALC-EN.pdf?ver=2018-03-22-16 3829-160; 04.09.2024).
Dendrinos, B. (2018a). Linguistic Rights and Minorities. Position Paper. European Civil Society Platform for Multilingualism.
Dendrinos, B. (2018b). Bilingualism – Multilingualism. Position Paper. European Civil Society Platform for
Multilingualism.
Grosjean, F. (2010). Bilingual: Life and Reality. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.