Role of cultural instruction in EFL classroom

Abstract

Abstract:Teaching culture in EFL classrooms is a topic that has been concerning for the enhancement of the academic experience of EFL learners. Naturally, a variety of opinions exist regarding this idea that attempt to answer the question on how beneficial is cultural instruction for the development of English language learners. Considering this, a descriptive research was carried out in Loja tocomprehend the perspectives of a group of Ecuadorian EFL teachers and students towards their level of exposure to cultural instruction in their classes and understand in which ways they were affected by this approach. A questionnaire was administered to 12 EFL teachers and 33 students who have given and received EFL lessons respectively in public educational institutionsin Loja. These questionnaires gathered qualitative and quantitative data. The information obtained from them was collected using the virtual tool Google Forms . As a result, findings revealed that EFLstudents feel positive and receptiveregarding learning the cultural aspects of the language. While, teachers feel doubtful about including this approach in their lessons.Keywords:Cultural instruction, culturally infused strategies, culture-based approach, English as Foreign Language, globalization and language, intercultural competence.