Making culture happen in the English language classroom

This is the second in a series of articles by our Guest Contributor Barry Tomalin.

In my first article for this intercultural forum I outlined why we needed to rethink the teaching of culture in ELT and put forward arguments for treating culture as a 5th language skill. This second article looks at teaching the cultural agenda in more detail and explores possible avenues of thinking in the following areas:

Where does culture fit? What discipline does it belong to?
Is there such a thing as a cultural curriculum or a cultural syllabus? When should we introduce the teaching of culture in ELT? Whose culture should we be teaching and what should we teach at what level?
How do materials address the issue of culture and is it adequate?
What are the best audio, text and visual aids for the teaching of culture?
What kind of methodology is best suited to the teaching of cultures at different levels?
What kinds of activities lend themselves to learning about and appreciating other cultures?
These points should give us all plenty to think about and discuss. So here are a few thoughts of my own to stimulate discussion.

Sirirat 033 3EN

Actually, when we are studying English language, we will get the culture also.
and this is the way to make culture happen in the classroom.

- Cultural materials
Culture tends to be relegated to a specific section in textbooks or to be the subject of readers. Yet you could argue that every photo, drawing, reading package and dialogue is the subject not just of linguistic exploitation but of cultural discussion and debate.
- Culture in the curriculum
Once you have discussed the roots of culture then you can search for its appearance in the curriculum.  
- Cultural methodology
How should we teach cultural awareness? Should we be teaching it as a special slot, such as a culture corner or culture spot in the lesson, or should each lesson seek to contain a cultural awareness skill that students develop through working through the textbook and associated materials?


Papassorn   Waijan   050   3EN