Fostering Cultural Awareness in EFL Classrooms: Pedagogical Values and Implementation Approaches

Mingyao Li

doi:10.63313/LLCS.9059

Authors

Mingyao Li China West Normal University, Nanchong 637000, China Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63313/LLCS.9059

Keywords:

Cultural awareness, Intercultural competence, Cultural identity

Abstract

This study investigates the integration of cultural awareness in senior high school English Language Teaching (ELT), analyzing its pedagogical significance and implementation strategies. Grounded in English Curriculum Standards for Senior High Schools (Ministry of Education, PRC, 2017/2020 Revised Edition), the research identifies cultural awareness as a core competency encompassing intercultural knowledge, comparative analysis, and identity formation. The pa-per proposes a comprehensive framework featuring: (1) thematic cultural units, (2) authentic material utilization, (3) experiential learning activities, and (4) critical pedagogy approaches. Findings demonstrate that systematic cultural awareness cultivation enhances intercultural communication competence while reinforcing cultural confidence. The study highlights the necessity of teacher training and assessment reform for effective implementation. This research contributes to developing balanced ELT paradigms that harmonize linguistic proficiency with intercultural competence in globalized education contexts.

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