Intercultural Language Teaching: Techniques to Enhance Intercultural Competence in an EFL Classroom

Abstract

The acquisition of intercultural competence requires contact with members of the target language in an as active and direct a way as possible. In this article, therefore, a rather selective ‘broad brush’ approach will be adopted, which will attempt to highlight techniques which might be most helpful to teachers involved in intercultural language teaching. In ordinary classroom teaching, attempts can be made with the traditional techniques such as cultural asides, culture capsules, culture assimilators, role playing and classroom decoration. An ensemble of in-class techniques, have been put forward to address cultural behaviour while teaching language skills, that is, to link ‘the teaching of language to that of culture’ (Kramsch 1991). The proposed techniques contain practical ideas for developing cultural awareness and cross-cultural understanding. They also provide guidance for teachers on adopting traditional techniques to create activities suitable for intercultural learning. The activities can be done with the minimal of resources, and do not need special artistic expertise on the part of the teacher. The examples offer insights and practical guidance on designing cross-cultural activities.