Francophone Pacific Topics in French Language Programs: Teaching Transcultural Competence and Sustainable Literacy

ABSTRACT: This article showcases the curriculum design of an intermediate-level unit in a French language course with the goal of introducing students to Polynesian perspectives on the environment. Grounded in Content-Based Instruction and platforming Indigenous perspectives, the pedagogical approach spirals three principles: transcultural competence, sustainable literacy, and experiential learning through authentic resources. This article also includes summaries of the unit lessons, comprising content such as media taken on site in Polynesia, news reports on environmental issues in the Pacific region, poetry by Chantal Spitz, and a live Tahitian dance lesson.