The importance of cultural awareness in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) instruction to undergraduate students

Abstract

This study sets out to identify the importance of inclusion of culture in English language teaching for non-native speakers. Communicative
competence, an essential goal in learning English as a foreign language, is identified as the linguistic and behavioral competence. In addition,
this study explores the contribution of culturally-sensitive English language teaching to students’ increased awareness of culture. The study
uses the culture tests, developed by the author, throughout the culturally-sensitive English language teaching course to check students’ progress
in
cultural
awareness.
The
research
revealed
that
there
is
valuable
benefit
in
adopting
the
view
of
inseparability
of
language
and
culture

by
teachers
and
using
culturally-sensitive
English
language
teaching.
It
is
essential
to
increase
students’
sensitivity
about
different
cultures
in

today’s
culturally rich environments.