Teachers' Day 2021

How NOT to put your foot in it: Teaching pragmatics in the EFL classroom

18th Teachers’ Day (and Week)

In remembrance of Dr. Roger Charlton

Continuing our series of successful and popular Teachers’ Days, the English Department at Saarland University, in cooperation with the ZfL, the LPM and the ILF, invites students, trainee teachers and teachers of English to the 18th annual Teachers' Day.

4th through 7th October, 2021

This year’s Teachers’ Week is all about foot-in-mouth disease – a highly infectious virus common in language learners at all levels and from all walks of life. While the virus manifests itself in myriad ways, the most common symptoms include frequent gaffes, involuntary rudeness, severe embarrassment, and, ultimately, please-don’t-let-me-be-misunderstood syndrome.

Foot-in-mouth disease is highly contagious and often causes your interlocutor to blush, break out in hives, and ultimately disappear into the ground. If not addressed promptly, a complete, utter, and irrevocable breakdown in communication ensues.

There is no cure for foot-in-mouth disease, but vaccines are available in the form of workshops. There is also hope that frequent attendance at Teachers’ Day might in the long run eradicate the disease. Spread the word (not the virus)! Masks should be worn and a safe distance kept at all times. 

Yours pragmatically,

The Teachers’ Day Team

As always, you will have the opportunity to exchange ideas with other teachers and experts both from Germany and abroad. We look forward to welcoming you in October!

View the Schedule