engleski

Culture in EFL materials for young learners

The thesis elaborates the term “culture” and how the progress of mankind and technology has reflected upon the different needs of learning the English language and upon the view of culture itself. It elaborates the importance of learning culture along with the language, not only for the purpose of familiarising oneself with the target culture, but also for easier future encounters with other cultures. It clarifies the terms “intercultural communicative competence” and “intercultural speaker” through Michael Byram’s model, and the importance of these terms in today’s world. It is noticed how culture learning is not only about facts, but it is also the ability to empathize and have an open mind which aids communication with the foreign and unknown, and helps develop an open and curious person who is able to handle new and different situations. Through the analysis of textbooks by Croatian and English publishers it can be observed how culture is shown in EFL materials for young learners (from the first to fourth grade of elementary school), the similarities and differences between them. It has been observed that the Croatian publisher is more inclined to stereotypes and that the teacher’s role and guidance in the learning process is very important.

culture; intercultural communicative competence; intercultural speaker; textbooks; stereotypes

nije evidentirano