Keeping up the Conversation on Culture: A Response to Robert Courchêne and Others

Abstract

Robert Courchêne’s 1996 article entitled “Teaching Canadian Culture: Teacher Preparation” sparked a conversation in the pages of the TESL Canada Journal that continues today. From advocating the teaching of significant historical events and icons to encouraging second-language learners to embrace cultural ambiguity,there is a wide spectrum of philosophies and approaches for English-as-an-Additional-Language (EAL) professionals to consider. This article attempts to summarize the discussion so far, to contextualize it in research frameworks, and to build on practical suggestions for teachers charged with teaching culture to their students.