Introducing culture in language teaching seems a rather obvious. At the moment we are able to learn a language, we are also able to immerse in their culture.
But, what do we mean by culture? The word culture means history, geography, science, literature ... Also values, norms, lifestyles and heritage of a society. To experience other cultures, first we must know our own. Another important thing to do is forget all the prejudices we could have and open our minds to the unknown.
Currently, learning languages like English, seems us so basic that we don't even think about it. Parents worry about their children professional future, from very little, and want them to learn a second or third language (in our case). In early education, introducing culture in language learning is not unreasonable. I remember celebrating Halloween, St. Patrick's Day, painting Easter eggs and even sing some carols.
It is possible that in other educational contexts such as academies or schools, sometimes forget learning culture. In my opinion, we must promote the learning of culture through a fun and modern methodology that really comes close to the reality of the community. A good example, as I think, it would be listening to music, watching movies or reading novels that made reference to that particular culture and to the language we want to learn. Playing games is also an interesting method to get attention and arouse curiosity in children: competitions or quizes, traditional games, etc.
In conclusion, learning languages and learning culture is, in my opinion, something we can not separate and it's easier as we think. Language is culture and culture is language.
But, what do we mean by culture? The word culture means history, geography, science, literature ... Also values, norms, lifestyles and heritage of a society. To experience other cultures, first we must know our own. Another important thing to do is forget all the prejudices we could have and open our minds to the unknown.
Currently, learning languages like English, seems us so basic that we don't even think about it. Parents worry about their children professional future, from very little, and want them to learn a second or third language (in our case). In early education, introducing culture in language learning is not unreasonable. I remember celebrating Halloween, St. Patrick's Day, painting Easter eggs and even sing some carols.
It is possible that in other educational contexts such as academies or schools, sometimes forget learning culture. In my opinion, we must promote the learning of culture through a fun and modern methodology that really comes close to the reality of the community. A good example, as I think, it would be listening to music, watching movies or reading novels that made reference to that particular culture and to the language we want to learn. Playing games is also an interesting method to get attention and arouse curiosity in children: competitions or quizes, traditional games, etc.
In conclusion, learning languages and learning culture is, in my opinion, something we can not separate and it's easier as we think. Language is culture and culture is language.
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