How far have we gone? Integration of intercultural language learning principles in Philippine ESL classrooms

Abstract

Intercultural education is firmly rooted on the notion that language and culture are intrinsically linked. Several studies have looked into the importance of understanding different languages and cultures in language teaching; however, studies on the integration of principles intercultural language learning (IcLL) in Philippine ESL classrooms seem to be lacking. This is what the article addresses as it looked into the extent of integration of IcLL principles in two higher educational institution in Region 2, Cagayan Valley, Northern Philippines. Anchored on the principles of IcLL and through the employment of survey to elicit responses of the language teachers as to the integration of IcLL principles in language classrooms, results revealed that teachers perceive IcLL to be integrated in their classrooms to a great extent. Specifically, the principles of active construction and social interaction are integrated to a very high extent while the principles making connections, reflection, and responsibility were perceived to be integrated to a high extent. As regards classroom activities, the teachers favored the employment of discussions, lectures, writing tasks, oral reports, role plays, small group tasks, simulations or skits and collaborative learning activities in transmitting the target culture.