THE EVALUATION OF THE CULTURAL TRANSMISSION THROUGH COURSE BOOKS TEACHING TURKISH & PERSIAN AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE

Abstract

Nowadays communication in foreign language learning gain prominence. Moreover, it is revealed that learning the grammatical structures and vocabularies are not sufficient to obtain proficiency in the language. Foreign language learning is a complex process involving not only the linguistic content but also the cultural norms of the target language. The inseparable relationship between culture and language divulges that mastering a language is impossible without learning the culture of that language. Consequently, the course books used for teaching a foreign language should promote communication abilities of learners via increasing the students’ cultural awareness. This study aimed to evaluate “cultural transmission through teaching Turkish as a foreign language course books” versus teaching Persian as a foreign language. The evaluation of the “Learning Persian” book series and “Hitit course book 2” from the viewpoint of the cultural transmission divulged that both consist of factors that present Turkish and Persian cultures and succeed in transmitting their culture to learners. The subjects of course books represent the reality about the target culture. They are chosen from the authentic texts and basic real-life experience areas. Literature has considered very important in Persian learning book while environmental issues are emphasized in “Hitit” course book.