The principle of ambivalence in judgements in foreign language teaching: theoretical foundations and practical implementation
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Date
Authors
Holovko, I.
Головко, І. О.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Sergeieva&Co. Karlsruhe, Germany.
Abstract
This paper explores the theoretical and methodological foundations of the principle of ambivalence in judgments as a pedagogical strategy in foreign language education. In the theoretical section, ambivalence is examined through philosophical and psychologicallenses as the coexistence of contradictory evaluations or interpretations. In pedagogical and linguistic discourse, it is reframed as intellectual flexibility — the ability to comprehend and engage with opposing viewpoints. Drawing on philosophical, psychological, and educational discourse, the study positions ambivalence as a key factor in fostering critical thinking, discursive flexibility, and intercultural competence. The practical section outlines five key methods for implementing this principle in the language classroom through the analysis of ambivalent statements, engagement with controversial media texts, situational role-play involving ethical ambiguity, reflective writing tasks, and comparative study of cultural concepts. Particular emphasis is placed on the capacity to interpret and evaluate conflicting perspectives, navigate semantic ambiguity, and engage in ethically informed dialogue. In conclusion, integrating ambivalence-based tasks into the foreign language learning process cultivates a linguistically adaptable and critically aware learner, capable of responding to the complexities of intercultural communication in a globalized world.
Description
Keywords
the principle of ambivalence of judgements, discursive flexibility, construction of ambivalent utterances, formulation of counterarguments, situational simulation, reflective writing
Citation
Holovko, I. Materials of the International Scientific conference proceedings / I. Holovko // Technique and technology of the future’2025 : conference proceedings, 20 octob. 2025. - Germany, Karlsruhe : Sergeieva&Co, 2025. - No 41. - P. 172–176.