Teaching Culture Alongside Language: 5 Strategies for Success
Incorporating cultural content into English language teaching is essential for helping students understand and appreciate the cultures of English-speaking countries. By providing exposure to different cultures, teachers can also help to promote cross-cultural understanding and support students in developing intercultural competence. In this blog post, we will explore 5 strategies for teaching culture alongside language for success.
Use authentic materials: Incorporate authentic materials, such as videos, music, and literature, into your lessons to give students a glimpse into the cultures of English-speaking countries. These materials should be carefully selected to match the level and interests of the students.
Incorporate cultural topics into discussions: Incorporate cultural topics into class discussions to encourage critical thinking and cultural awareness. Encourage students to share their own cultural experiences and perspectives, and to ask questions about unfamiliar cultures.
Use real-life contexts: Provide opportunities for students to apply what they are learning in real-life contexts, such as cultural field trips or service-learning projects. This can help students to understand how cultural practices and norms vary across different settings.
Encourage cultural exchange: Encourage cultural exchange by setting up pen pal programs or virtual exchanges with students from English-speaking countries. This can provide students with the opportunity to practice their language skills in real-life interactions and learn about other cultures firsthand.
Provide cultural background information: Provide background information on cultural customs, traditions, and festivals to help students understand and appreciate the cultural context of the language they are learning. This can be done through readings, lectures, or multimedia resources.
In conclusion, incorporating culture into language teaching is essential for helping students understand and appreciate the cultures of English-speaking countries. By using authentic materials, incorporating cultural topics into discussions, using real-life contexts, encouraging cultural exchange, and providing cultural background information, teachers can effectively teach culture alongside language
Sources:
The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) - “Standards for Foreign Language Learning in the 21st Century”
