Culture in the teaching and learning of foreign languages tends to be stereotypical and monolithic, marginalizing the diversity of local cultures and practices and resulting in a monocultural and monolingual bias. Expanding on the ACTFL Cultures and Comparisons Standards, the current article presents the MAPS model for Exploring Local Cultures…

Using postcolonial feminist theory, the researcher attempts in this article to redefine the interpretive framework through which courses on Islam and North African women are being taught in American undergraduate classes. Several conceptual limitations have been identified: inadequate knowledge of the geography and history of North Africa; the…

Describes a device for teaching foreign languages, a combination of three or four culture capsules and a summarizing activity. Each capsule is a self-contained lesson and the final activity takes the form of a simulation or mini-drama. (DS)

A checklist is provided to help civilization teachers identify relevant aspects of the visual arts. The goal is comprehensive treatment of works of art by focusing on the aesthetic dimension, social context, and the artist's experience. Activities are suggested for integration of aspects of the arts while practicing language skills. (Author/MSE)

Proposes a series of practical foreign-language classroom activities designed to increase cross-cultural sensitivity and to discourage stereotyping. The first exercise has the students work in small groups to design a short course for foreigners on American culture. Other exercises focus on the differences between U.S. culture and the target…

This paper examines the role of foreign language teaching in answering the external needs of students, including equipping the student with vocational or professional skills, and the internal needs, including the broadening of perception of self, society and culture. Communication in general and participation in society benefit from foreign…

An exploratory language program offered in Stratford, Connecticut, is described. The course introduces all seventh grade students to the nature of language in general and to as many specific languages as possible, preparatory to beginning the formal study of a foreign language in eighth grade. (Author/RM)

Discusses the benefits of introducing the culture of the target language into the second language classroom via the mass media -- newspapers, magazines, television, and popular music. (AM)

Addresses the question of understanding a foreign culture and its link with vocabulary acquisition in the second-language classroom. Problems in current research and classroom practice are examined. A synthetic approach to culture and vocabulary through modification of a notional/functional syllabus is proposed as a solution to the problems. (SED)

The foreign language teacher should have cultural training and should teach the foreign culture from the onset of foreign language instruction. Seven goals for cultural instruction are suggested along with teaching strategies for their implementation. (PMJ)