Symbolic Interactionism in Performing Arts Integrated Pedagogy and its Relevance in Future English Language Classrooms

Abstract

 How man influences humankind is determined by the experiences that people encounter through interactions. The nuances of meanings that we attach to particular pieces of spoken or written transmission reflects our perspectives. The theory of symbolic interactionism assumes that people respond to elements of their environment according to subjective meanings that they attach to these elements. Meanings are being created and modified through social interaction involving symbolic communication with other people. The performing arts are the creative expressions that use various mediums such as music, dance, theatre, and visual arts to convey messages, and emotions to the audience. Performing arts integrated pedagogy is an approach to teaching and learning through constructing meaning by utilising the possibilities of the performing arts. The symbols inherent in theatrical arts transmit specific meanings through interactions that evolve from the cultural and social contexts. This is successfully done by creating auditory, visual and kinesthetic imagery through theatrical techniques in classrooms thus, fulfilling the major objective of interaction.