Topic outline

  • General

    • Course details and objectives File

      Faculty of Letters and Languages 
      ​​English Language Department

                                          
      Culture in Foreign Language Classes
      Presented by :
      Dr. KHIARI Rim
      @mail: rim.khiari@univ-oeb.dz  
      Teaching unit : Fundamental Unit 
      Credits : 6 
      Coefficient : 3
      course format : C+TD

                          Teaching Culture in EFL classes                                              Course Title: Teaching Culture in EFL Classes


       Introduction

      The "Teaching Culture in EFL Classes" course is designed to equip M2 students at Larbi Ben Mhidi University with the knowledge and skills to effectively integrate cultural aspects into their English language teaching. In an increasingly interconnected world, understanding and teaching culture alongside language is imperative for effective communication and language acquisition. This course is structured to foster cultural competence and pedagogical expertise in the realm of English language teaching.


      Course Objectives


      1. Developing Cultural Competence

      • Incorporating cultural components and themes into EFL lesson plans, ensuring a seamless integration of   language and culture 

      • Demonstrating an understanding of the various teaching strategies, materials, and activities that promote cultural awareness and exploration in the language learning process.


      2. Integrating Culture into Language Teaching

      • Adapting and customizing lesson content to meet the diverse needs and interests of EFL learners, facilitating a deeper appreciation of culture.

      •  Encouraging Critical Thinking and Discussion on Cultural Topics

      • Engaging EFL learners in meaningful discussions and critical analysis of cultural topics, encouraging them to express their thoughts, ask questions, and challenge preconceptions.


      3. Applying Cultural Competence in Lesson Planning

      • Promoting cross-cultural comparisons and explorations, fostering a deeper understanding of both the target culture and the students' own cultural backgrounds.

      • Providing guidance and facilitation in debates, projects, and presentations that revolve around cultural issues, allowing EFL learners to actively explore and reflect upon cultural differences and similarities.

       Upon completing the course, students will be able to:

      1. - Design and implement lesson plans that incorporate cultural materials, such as literature, film, music, and art, into EFL classes.
      2. - Adapt teaching strategies to follow the diverse cultural backgrounds of learners in multicultural classrooms.
      3. - Evaluate and select culturally relevant resources to facilitate language acquisition and cultural understanding.


      The "Culture in EFL Classes" course is structured to empower M2 students at Larbi Ben Mhidi University with the knowledge and pedagogical expertise required to enrich the language learning experience for their future EFL students. By accomplishing these objectives, students will be better prepared to navigate the cultural complexities of the EFL classroom and help learners become culturally sensitive and effective communicators in English.



  • Culture from a general stance

    • Lecture 1: What culture is not File

      In our exploration of culture, it is important to understand what culture is not in order to understand what culture is. Culture often intersects with various fields, such as religion, civilization, literature, sociology, history, and geography, but it remains distinct. Psychologist Geert Hofstede defines culture as "the collective programming of the mind which  distinguishes one group or category of people from another."

      A Sense of Culture

    • Reading 2: Elements of Culture File

      Culture is a complex and multifaceted construct, encompassing a wide array of elements that collectively define and shape societies. This paper aims to provide an in-depth analysis of key cultural elements such as beliefs, values, norms, attitudes, behavior, habits, traditions, customs, myths, and superstitions. We will categorize these elements based on  their similarities, highlighting universal and Algerian examples to illustrate their  manifestations in diverse cultural contexts. This comparative approach sheds light on the  nuanced interplay between global and local cultures.

    • Reading 3: Typologies of Culture File

      Culture is a complex, evolving entity with diverse manifestations. Understanding the various types of culture, their characteristics, and their impact on societies is crucial. In this paper, we explore different cultural typologies with a focus on both Algerian and universal cultures, including Big C, Small C, High Culture, Low Culture, Universal Culture, Pop Culture, Dynamic Culture, and others.

    • What culture is not? Forum

      In the realm of academic inquiry, culture exhibits a distinct anthropocentric nature, which distinguishes it from several other fields. What are some fields distinct from culture, and what commonalities or shared characteristics do they exhibit with culture, despite their differences in focus?

    • How culture is messy and why that's good | John Curran URL

      We are making a big mistake by simplifying how culture works. It shapes how we live our lives, the values ​​we hold, the relationships we form and the decisions we make. Culture is also complex, it's messy, it's unpredictable, it's irrational. In order to innovate new creative possibilities, we need to embrace the complexity of culture. Dr. John Curran is a leading global business anthropologist and executive trainer and facilitator.

    • Individual vs Collective Culture Glossary

      Individualistic and collective cultures refer to two broad categories of societal values ​​that influence people's behaviors, beliefs, and interpersonal interactions. These cultural dimensions are a central aspect of cultural psychology and were popularized by researchers like Geert Hofstede.

      1. Individualistic Culture

      In individualistic cultures, the focus is on personal autonomy, self-expression, and independence. These societies prioritize the needs, rights, and goals of the individual over the group.

      Key Features

      • Self-Identity : People define themselves as individuals, emphasizing "I" rather than "we."
      • Personal Achievement : Success is measured by individual accomplishments, such as career advancements or personal goals.
      • Independence : People are encouraged to think and act independently, often making decisions based on personal preferences rather than group consensus.
      • Interpersonal Relationships : Relationships are often based on personal choice and mutual benefit rather than obligation.
      • Conflict Management : Open discussion and direct communication are preferred to resolve disagreements.

      Examples of Individualistic Cultures

      • Countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and Western European nations such as Germany and the United Kingdom.

      2. Collective Culture

      In collective cultures, the focus is on group harmony, shared responsibilities, and interdependence. These societies prioritize the needs and goals of the group—such as family, community, or nation—over individual desires.

      Key Features

      • Self-Identity : People define themselves in terms of their relationships and roles within a group, emphasizing "we" over "I."
      • Group Achievement : Success is viewed collectively, and individual achievements are often seen as contributions to the group's well-being.
      • Interdependence : Individuals are expected to conform to group norms and make decisions that benefit the group rather than personal desires.
      • Interpersonal Relationships : Relationships are deeply rooted in duty, loyalty, and long-term commitment, often influenced by familial or societal obligations.
      • Conflict Management : Indirect communication is preferred to maintain harmony and avoid open confrontation.

      Examples of Collective Cultures

      • Countries like China, Japan, South Korea, India, and many nations in the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America.

      3. Key Differences

      AppearanceIndividualistic CultureCollective Culture
      Self-IdentityFocus on “I” and personal identityFocus on “we” and group identity
      Decision-MakingBased on personal preferencesBased on group needs and consensus
      Communication StyleDirect and explicitIndirect and context-sensitive
      RelationshipsFlexible and voluntaryStable and duty-bound
      Success MeasurementIndividual achievementsGroup achievements

      4. Implications for Education and Communication

      • Education :

        • In individualistic cultures, education systems often emphasize critical thinking, creativity, and personal achievement.
        • In collective cultures, education tends to stress respect for authority, group harmony, and the collective success of the class.

      • Workplace Communication :

        • In individualistic cultures, employees may prefer merit-based recognition and autonomy in tasks.
        • In collective cultures, teamwork, collaboration, and hierarchical respect are often more valued.

      Conclusion

      The distinction between individualistic and collective cultures highlights the diverse ways societies organize values ​​and relationships. Understanding these differences is essential for navigating cross-cultural interactions, fostering effective communication, and appreciating the diverse perspectives that shape human behavior.

  • language and culture: an interesting relationship

    • The relationship between language and culture File

      Language and culture are two inseparable facets of human existence. They are intricately interconnected, influencing each other in ways that shape individual and collective identities. This lecture seeks to explore the multifaceted relationship between language and culture through an examination of key theoretical perspectives from linguistic relativity, linguistic determinism, and sociocultural theories.

      The relationship between language and culture is a complex one. The two are intertwined. One cannot understand a certain culture without accessing its language directly. When you learn a new language, it not only involves learning its alphabet, the word arrangement and the rules of grammar, but also learning about the specific society's customs and behavior. When learning or teaching a language, it is important that the culture where the language belongs be referenced, because language is very much  ingrained in the culture.

  • Topic 3

    • Topic 4