Navrh jezika, which translates into English as On the Tip of Your Tongue, is a free online textbook intended for intermediate university-level language learners of Croatian. The textbook aims to develop intercultural communicative competence and builds upon current research on culture teaching in the foreign language classroom. The website is meant to be used primarily in an instructor-led course. However, most of the segments can be used for independent student practice (listening, grammar, and vocabulary practice). Below you will find more detailed instruction and an overview of the textbook materials.
INTERMEDIATE-LEVEL TEXTBOOK MATERIALS
A link to the intermediate-level textbook (Navrh jezika) is available in the top right corner of the website and opens in a new window.
The homepage of Navrh jezika features eight units at a glance. Each unit is depicted by an image designed to represent a specific topic focusing on cultural components.
Clicking on the image associated with a specific unit directs the user to a general overview of the unit. This component provides instructors and learners with information about the goals of the unit. It includes four tabs that offer detailed descriptions of the topics covered in each lesson, the goals to be achieved by the end of the unit, an outline of grammar, and vocabulary involved within the unit (see example: Unit 3).
The navigation bar on the left-hand side of the textbook provides quicker access to all eight units (labeled numerically 1 to 8) and their corresponding lessons. Learners can also access the Resources tab through the navigation bar. Check the Textbook Structure section for more information.
TOPICS IN “NAVRH JEZIKA” TEXTBOOK
The topics covered in Navrh jezika are carefully crafted to be relevant in today’s world. The topics are meaningfully contextualized with the learners’ personal experiences in mind and geared toward stimulating conversation and encouraging engagement. Some of the topics include the presence of artificial intelligence in everyday life, family relations, behaviors in public spaces, and traditional cuisine. Although some topics may be sensitive or personal, the textbook always offers options for learners so that all may participate and contribute comfortably and without exclusion.
Learners’ real-life experience
Language learners follow the interconnected stories of four characters—three locals and one expatriate with Croatian roots—living in Croatia over a ten-month period that mirrors the learners’ academic year. The story unfolds simultaneously with the learners’ real-life experiences, meaning that the time frame in the textbook aligns with the period during which learners are exposed to the story. This synchronization provides language learners with a sense of authenticity, allowing them to better connect with the narrative.
Rather than focusing on isolated situations, the textbook centers on the personal lives and relationships of the characters as they navigate work, friendships, and everyday choices across different regions of Croatia. By immersing themselves in these characters’ lives and the situations in which they find themselves, language learners gain valuable information on everyday life in Croatia and insight into how the language is effectively used in a variety of situations and contexts.
Read more about textbook characters.