Culture knowledge and its availability in language teaching and learning in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) contexts

Abstract

It is a platitude that language teaching is nothing but teaching culture. This study is also another evidence for this saying. In other words, the aim of this study is, in fact, to highlight the role of teaching foreign language culture in language learning and teaching. To achieve this aim, two questionnaires were distributed among the students and teachers who participated in the study in Shiraz, Iran. The purpose of using the two questionnaires was to find out first, to what extent teachers and students are aware of the role of foreign culture in language learning and teaching; second, to what extent are teachers aware of the strategies and techniques of teaching foreign language culture and how do students benefit from it? The study revealed that first, both students and teachers do believe that culture and language are inseparable; second, teachers are able to utilize the strategies and techniques for teaching foreign language culture in teaching language in classes. The study also provided a few implications regarding culture and language teaching. Key words: Culture teaching, English as a foreign language (EFL) learners, EFL teachers.