Teaching empathy in the english language classroom

Abstract

Relevance. Empathy means understanding how others feel (cognitive empathy and perspective taking) and sharing their feelings and emotions (emotional or affective empathy). Empathy and sympathy have much in common but sympathy is feeling pity for somebody and will lower the expectations from others, while empathy is more helpful, constructive and active. Empathy deficit is a serious problem of modern people who often live in their personal information bubbles and comfort zones. I think that successful implementation of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – developed by the United Nations in 2015 – can only be possible if empathy is developed in children and adults. The ability to walk in others’ shoes will push the people to share excess things and food with those in need, rather than throwing unwanted things away. Empathetic people will respect the dignity of others, irrespective of their social status, education, age, race, gender, religion, health, etc. People with high emotional intelligence are compassionate and caring for Nature because they feel the interconnectedness of all living beings and the environment.