How to Integrate Culture in Second Language Education?

Abstract

Whether culture should be taught as a separate subject is a controversial issue in the field second language education. Another equally important question is what the main aims of teaching culture are. Regarding the importance of teaching culture in second language classrooms, many scholars today believe that culture and language are inseparable and culture learning must be an integral part of language learning. The present study is to give an account of the important place that culture holds in foreign and second language education. It further elaborates on what culture is and different approaches to teaching it. Finally, some key and practical issues concerning integrating culture into second language classrooms will be addressed.

Key words: Second Language Education, Culture, Culture Teaching