Hello Pibiders!!

This time we will read the article “The Intercultural Approach to EFL Teaching and Learning” by Zofia Chlopek. In this text, she demonstrates the importance of cultural issues in English as a Foreign Language (EFL), as well as gives some examples of activities to cross-cultures.

During the introduction, Chlopek (2008, p.10) asserts that “communication that lacks appropriate cultural content often results in humorous incidents, or worse, is the source of serious miscommunication and misunderstanding”. Have you ever faced any situations like those (humorous incidents or miscommunication and misunderstanding)? Could you tell us what happened and why did it happen?

Now, here are some questions about the text. Please, choose one of them to answer. Then, interact with your friends’ answers making comments.

1) The author makes a distinction between big-C culture and small-c culture. In your own words, differ these kinds of culture and give one example for each one.

2) What is the intercultural approach? Why is this approach necessary in the teaching and learning a foreign language?

3) Characterize the general stages to implement the intercultural approach in an EFL classroom.

4) What are the possible problems that should be considered and the ways to deal with them when implementing the Intercultural Approach? Do you agree with these problems and ways? Are there any other problems and ways to deal with?

5) After reading the article and the examples of activities suggested by Zofia Chlopek, give an example of activity in the Intercultural Approach. Don´t forget: there are three general stages.

I hope you enjoyed the reading.

See you

XOXO

Marina