AIM OF USING CULTURAL ELEMENTS IN A LANGUAGE CLASS

TO ENHANCE STUDENTS’ SPEAKING

ON BASIS OF ACQUISITION AND SKILL

 

Pelin Hamurabi Sözen

 

Ma Ed Baskent University, TURKEY, phamurabi@hotmail.com

 

Abstract

 

Learning a new language as a foreign language rather than a second language is not very easy. Since the learner is alone this new world, (s)he may need effort to overcome the barriers of language acquisition. The natural environment of a learner may not include social, emotional, pedagogical or even cultural support. Socially, the learner may not have a peer group who speaks the target language or a parental support and may not have a clear idea about the attitude towards language and learning as well. In pedagogical sense, the school and classroom culture, improper materials and curriculum or method of instruction, strategies as well as little access to input can lack the supportive learning environment. In emotional basis, the learner’s self-belief and motivation can be low. There can be many items which result in resistance for a learner in case of a language acquisition. Every learner needs encouragement. Life without knowing a foreign language seems almost inescapable. People live in world where mobility is in the heart of many activities. This idea is valid for educational and business life. One can be mobile either by travelling or technology. In both means, there is a need for not only the language but also the cultural elements which are more vivid in a language. In this sense, curriculum is the core. It serves as a framework. Appropriate changes should be done in class depending on your students’ needs.

This research aims at finding the needs of approximately 400 university students who are learning English as a foreign language. In this research, the link between cultural elements in a curriculum and acquisition of speaking skill which has a prior place among students is also studied.

 

Keywords: Multiculturalism, curriculum, Common European Framework, communication, cultural elements in a language class.