Social and Cultural Focus in EFL Learning. Does Understanding Target Language Culture Increase Interaction in the EFL Classroom?

Abstract

The value of encouraging interaction in the EFL classroom has been well documented in the literature and numerous methods have been indicated as being beneficial in this respect. Similarly, there is also a growing recognition of the value of incorporating social and cultural learning about the target language and its speakers into the EFL curriculum. In line with Vygotsky’s view that learning is social construction that occurs when individual integrate and participate in activities and knowledge sharing, this would suggest that incorporating cultural and social learning into the language learning classroom can increase the integration of students. Drawing on definitions of culture, highlighting potential routes to providing information about target language culture and identifying the connections between cultural knowledge and language proficiency and communicative competence, the perspective is put forward that social and cultural learning can lead to increased integration in the EFL classroom.

Teaching English Culture in EFL Classrooms: What? When? How? Cultural Content Should Be Included In EFL Classroom

“…Consequently, the books may incorporate tasks activities for learners to give them better understanding of cultural concepts (Sehlaoui, 2001). Ideally, the books should contain content that can be easily explained by teachers and additionally provide relevant information that can be used by learners in their daily lives (Alshenqeeti, 2016).…”

“…The question of when cultural content needs integration into EFL curriculum has raised different views from many scholars. Analysis on this matter holds that most of the books used within the curriculum, explain only details of a specific language (Alshenqeeti, 2016). Some of them may or may not briefly discuss some cultural concepts (Sehlaoui, 2001).…”

“…Some of them may or may not briefly discuss some cultural concepts (Sehlaoui, 2001). Therefore, in order to incorporate cultural studies into foreign language learning then, there is need to change the curriculum and the general education system to a more flexible manner that would allow this necessary development (Alshenqeeti, 2016). The course books need reform in such a way that they include detailed analysis of cultural values that are instrumental in understanding language (Honigsfeld & Dove, 2012).…”