LITERARY TEXT AS A MEANS OF INTERCULTURAL LEARNING

Abstract

Interculturality represents an important aspect of upbringing and education, contributing to the development of social sensitivity, an understanding of diversity and the creation of a positive cultural identity. The paper emphasizes the role of educators and teachers in the implementation of intercultural learning, as well as the importance of a deeper understanding of cultural dynamics and the application of appropriate methods during the upbringing and education of children. Special attention is given to the selection of literary texts that suit the age and interests of preschool and lower primary school children, as well as their significance for the educational process.

Examples for preschool-age children include the works of Ljubivoje Ršumović: The Story of Michelangelo, The Cat and The Lovely Veronicas, as well as, the poem We Went to Africa, Grimms' fairy tales such as Rapunzel, Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderell and The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling. These provide fundamental lessons on respecting diversity and cultural differences through easily comprehensible narratives. For younger primary school students, valuable texts include the collection of Eskimo fairytales, The Boy Who Wanted to Be a Rooster by Yuri Druzhkov, The Ugly Duckling by Hans Christian Andersen and stories by Jasminka Petrović such as Two Pots, Four Lids and Two Water Lilies Around a Stump. With proper methodological interpretation, these examples can greatly enhance the development of students' intercultural competencies, teaching them important values such as acceptance, respect and understanding of diversity, which are essential for developing empathy and openness toward the world around them.