Why Teaching English Through Culture Makes Learning Fun (and Effective!)
As an EFL teacher, you probably know that learning English isn’t just about memorising grammar rules or vocabulary lists - it’s about connecting with the language. And one of the best ways to do that is by teaching through culture. Language isn’t just words, it’s a window into the culture of the people who speak it. Whether you’re teaching in an English-speaking country or abroad, incorporating culture into your lessons can really bring the language to life. Here’s why teaching English through culture is not only fun but super effective.
Language is Full of Culture
Ever wonder why we say “break the ice” when we want to start a conversation or “hit the nail on the head” when we get something just right? These little expressions are more than just words - they tell us a lot about the culture behind them. For example, when you explain that “break the ice” originally referred to breaking the ice between ships in cold weather, students get a glimpse of how language evolves based on cultural needs.
By teaching English through culture, whether it’s showing the meanings behind popular idioms or explaining why certain words or phrases are used in specific contexts, you’re giving students more than just language; you’re giving them the why behind the words.
Real-Life English in Action
Sometimes students wonder, “when will I actually use this English I’m learning?” The answer? In everyday life! But, here's the catch - it’s not just about saying the right words, it’s about understanding the situations in which those words make sense. For example, how do you talk about the weather in the UK without sounding like you’re reading from a textbook? Teaching cultural aspects gives students a much-needed real-life context for what they’re learning. Suddenly, English becomes something they can use in the world beyond the classroom.
Keeps Students Interested and Motivated
Everyone learns better when they’re genuinely interested. When students get to explore things like British humour, they'll want to learn more about the language to get what’s going on. Imagine you’ve got a student who loves British TV shows. By explaining British humour, slang, and how the language is used in these shows, you’re giving them something they care about. When learning becomes relevant to their interests, motivation levels soar, and they’ll keep coming back for more.
Prepare Students for Global Communication
In today’s world, speaking English doesn’t just mean chatting with someone from London or Manchester, it’s about communicating with people from all over the globe. Different English-speaking countries have their own slang, accents, and communication styles, so teaching students these differences helps them avoid awkward missteps. For instance, someone from the UK typically might apologise a lot or be more reserved, while an American might come across as more direct. Knowing these cultural differences helps students navigate conversations in a way that feels comfortable and respectful.
Fosters Empathy and Understanding
When we teach students about the cultures behind the language, we’re also encouraging them to step into someone else’s shoes. Whether it’s learning about how holidays are celebrated in different countries or the history behind certain expressions, students get a broader view of the world. This doesn’t just help them understand English better, it helps them become more open-minded and empathetic. They start to see how language connects us all, no matter where we’re from.
How to Bring Culture into Your Lessons
If you’re wondering how to get started, don’t worry, it doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are a few easy ways to bring culture into your lessons:
Share media from different English-speaking countries. Play a song from the UK, show a clip from an Australian TV show, or read a news article from Canada.
Celebrate cultural holidays. Host a cultural exchange where students can share information about holidays or traditions from their own countries and compare them with those in English-speaking countries.
Use cultural discussions to practice English. Start a conversation about popular movies, foods, or sports from different countries and see how well students can share their thoughts.
Introduce slang and idioms. Teach phrases like “raining cats and dogs” or “cheers” and explain where they come from in everyday culture.
Incorporating culture into your TEFL lessons doesn’t just make learning more exciting, it makes it real. When students understand the cultural context behind the language, they’re more likely to remember it, use it, and feel confident doing so. So, next time you plan your lesson, think about how you can add a bit of culture into the mix. It’ll make the learning experience richer, more engaging, and way more fun for everyone involved!
