CULTURAL CONTEXT AND FOREIGN LANGUAGE TEACHERS
Keywords:
teachers, cultural topics, foreign languages, intercultural competences, learningAbstract
It is generally recognised that cultural topics comprise an integral part of foreign language acquisition, as well as that they are based on a humanistic approach which promotes dialogue and tolerance in an attempt to overcome prejudices and stereotypes. In that context, cultural topics are attributed with outstanding value and particular importance in foreign language acquisition. Implementation of cultural topics is determined by intercultural competences of teachers. Although a considerable amount of effort has been devoted over recent decades to emphasising the importance of cultural topics in foreign language acquisition, relevant literature still abounds in discussions regarding the manners of implementation and difficulties that teachers encounter in their practice.
It is the aim of this paper is to indicate, on the basis of a presentation and analysis of previous research studies, various opinions of teachers regarding the importance of cultural topics in foreign language acquisition. In the first part of the paper the authors provide a theoretical framework which indicates the significance of cultural topics and their bearing on foreign language acquisition, while in the second part of the paper the authors present research studies within which teachers expressed their attitudes regarding the importance of cultural topics in foreign language acquisition. In the conclusion the authors systematise the results of the presented research studies regarding the attitudes of teachers towards the importance of cultural topics in foreign language acquisition. Accordingly, they emphasise the necessity of introducing changes into education and professional improvement of teachers which would contribute to a successful overcoming of difficulties encountered in the current teaching practice.
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