Teaching Language and Culture Erica Hughes James S. Rickards High School Tallahassee, Florida

Teaching Language and Culture Language and culture are inextricably linked! Culture used to be thought of as secondary to learning the language, but we know now that in order to be successful in communication one must be proficient in both language and culture. "The exquisite connection between the culture that is lived and the language that is spoken can only be realized by those who possess a knowledge of both" (National Standards in Foreign Language Education Project, 1999, p. 47).

Teaching Language and Culture According to Brian Cullen (2000), there are three considerations when planning to teach culture: The information sources The activity types The selling points Cullen, Brian. (2000). Practical Techniques for Teaching Culture in the EFL Classroom. The Internet TESL Journal, Vol. VI, No. 12. Retrieved from http://iteslj.org/Techniques/Cullen-Culture.html

1. Information Sources: Of course there are many places to get authentic cultural information from… Video Fieldwork CDs Interviews TV Guest speakers Readings Anecdotes Internet Souvenirs Stories Photographs Students own information Surveys Illustrations Songs Literature Newspapers Realia

2. Activity Types: “Hold a lively discussion” is not a useful learning activity for many of our FL classes! Choose an activity that your students have the skills to complete, but that will challenge them to go just beyond what they know. Progress from simple to more complex tasks. Even advanced students need preparation before they can participate in discussions about culture in the target language.

2. Activity Types Examples: Ask students to make predictions before seeing the cultural information, i.e. true/false questions. Noticing – Ss must listen or read and notice certain facts or information. Reformulation – Ss put what they have read/listened to/seen in their own words, orally or in writing; 1st time use notes, 2nd time no notes. Action logs – Ss reflect upon what they have done and learned in a class. Research – Must be carefully guided by teacher!

3. Selling Points Sell different aspects of the culture, not just one perspective. Present and contrast the good and the not so good, i.e. … Attractive vs. Shocking Similarities vs. Differences Dark aspects of culture vs. Bright Facts vs. Behavior Historical vs. Modern Old people vs. Young people City life vs. Country life Stated beliefs vs. Actual behavior

Do you eat lunch at school. Where do you eat lunch Do you eat lunch at school? Where do you eat lunch? Turn to your partner and tell him or her about your lunch habits at school. Get Started: Engage: Explore: Explain: Practice:

Look at the picture below. It is a lunch room in an American school Look at the picture below. It is a lunch room in an American school. Does your school have a cafeteria? Does it look like this one?

Watch this short video about lunches in American schools and pay special attention to the different foods you see and you hear mentioned. You may take notes, if you wish.

What foods did you see or hear mentioned What foods did you see or hear mentioned? Are these foods healthy or unhealthy?

The news clip discussed a problem in American schools and one school’s solution. Let’s watch it again. What is the problem and what is the proposed solution?

Do unhealthy eating habits exist in Uruguay? What solutions do you propose?

References Video: http://edition.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/09/29/sch ool.food.investigation/index.html American Council on the Teaching Foreign Languages. (1999). Standards for Foreign Language Learning in the 21st Century. National Standards in Foreign Language Education Project , New York. Cullen, Brian. (2000). Practical Techniques for Teaching Culture in the EFL Classroom. The Internet TESL Journal, Vol. VI, No. 12. Retrieved from http://iteslj.org/Techniques/Cullen-Culture.html