Cross cultural aspect of teaching of English as an international language

Abstract

This project aims at exploring the cross-cultural aspect of teaching of English as an international language. Cross-cultural awareness is considered crucial in modern language studies, as it aids in preparing students for effective and proficient intercultural communication. Cross-cultural awareness has always been important in modern language studies, as preparing students for effective and competent intercultural communication requires not only mere teaching of linguistic skills but also the vital component of cultural knowledge and awareness. Communication that lacks appropriate cultural knowledge and content often results in an unusual or humorous situation leading to misunderstanding and miscommunication. Culture awareness has become an important focus of modern language education, a shift that reflects a greater awareness of the inseparability of language and culture, and the need to prepare students for intercultural communication. It is a responsibility of language teachers to make students’ aware of the cultures in order to provide them with the opportunity to act as a member of the target culture. So far as the emphasis is laid on cultural understanding, linguistic skills and communicative competence, the goals of language teaching will be satisfactorily achieved. Language teachers must instruct their students on the cultural background of language usage and choose culturally appropriate teaching styles and explore culturally based linguistic differences to promote understanding instead of misconceptions or prejudices.