Language is a recognised component of culture and plays a very important role in the development of a particular culture. Some sociologists consider it as the keystone of culture. At the same time, language itself is influenced and shaped by culture as it reflects an individual’s identity, which is rooted in their culture. Therefore, culture plays a very important part in language teaching and this is widely acknowledged by the English teaching community. Promoting different cultures in teaching English as a foreign language can be practiced by doing research, brainstorming cultural connections using themes, and make cultural comparisons.
Before delivering content to the learners about cultures associated with the target language, it is crucial for educators to be well-versed in them to avoid misunderstanding; especially to avoid perpetuating stereotypes. This is often mistakenly done innocently and unintentionally, but it can have harmful effects. Avoid making blanket statements about cultural or ethnic groups, such as, “Spaniards enjoy attending bullfights regularly.” Instead, present the cultural point as a piece of information: “In Spain, bullfights are considered traditional and enjoyed by some, but are controversial.” To master about other cultures, consider consulting authentic sources such as news outlets, podcasts, and literature. This will definitely help to avoid learners’ misunderstanding.
Apart from that, brainstorming cultural connections using themes can also aid in promoting different cultures in teaching of English as a foreign language. A typical classroom activity would only be associated with grammar lessons and vocabulary enhancement. Educators can be creative with the delivery of the lessons in which they can come up with themes and brainstorm some cultural points that tie to the themes selected. By doing so, it helps to enhance the engagement of learners in classroom as it can spark interest when the lessons are focused on specific themes; making the teaching and learning process effective. For instance, if your unit is about eating habits or foods, explore the dietary habits or patterns most followed in these communities. This enables learners to narrow their focus while brainstorming ideas and as a result, indirectly fosters collaborative learning among themselves.
Lastly, making cultural comparison will definitely encourage educators to promote the differences in cultures when teaching English. It is crucial to incorporate the teaching of language through a cultural lens that relates to exploring one’s cultural norms and traditions. In the Malaysian context, learners should not only limit themselves to the cultural practises of the 3 main ethnic groups in Malaysia namely Malay, Indian, and Chinese. Rather, educators should broaden their cultural knowledge by making comparison with other cultures in the world as well as the many other ones in Malaysia such as the Iban, Bidayuh. Dayak, Kadazan and Peranakan. When learners are required to make comparison on cultural background and traditions, they tend to be more attentive with the task as it requires them to be inquisitive and creative. Using food as the cultural theme, for example, students might want to compare how Malaysians eat their sushi to how Japanese, where sushi originated, eat their sushi. When the lesson plan ties in to the cultures associated with the target language, learners grow accustomed to making these comparisons regularly. At the end of the day, learners will have gained not only skills in another language but also cultural knowledge that will have a lasting impact on their lives.
All in all, educators must be attentive with the teaching methods to ensure they are able to promote different cultures when teaching English. The ways to do so can be in the form of conducting research about cultures prior to class, brainstorming cultural connections using themes, and lastly, making cultural comparisons in the classroom in the most creative manner. Learners are always hungry to learn and explore new things as they are similar to a blank canvas. Educators are responsible for painting and shaping them creatively.
Here in MAHSA University, the Centre of English Language always strive to make our students more sensitive and appreciative of other cultures when learning English language as we understand that English language is used all over the world. The ability to understand and adapt to the respective cultures when using English is one of our main focus in teaching English to our students and we will continue to create the best teaching sessions to achieve this.
Words by:
Lara Suraya
Centre of Education and Language (CEL)
Lara Suraya
Centre of Education and Language (CEL)