The Role of Cultural Understanding in English Education for Korean College Students

서지정보

· 발행기관 : 장로회신학대학교 기독교사상과문화연구원
· 수록지 정보 : 장신논단 / 57권 / 1호 / 377 ~ 409페이지
· 저자명 : 김민정

초록

This paper examines the critical role of cultural understanding in English education for Korean college students, addressing both challenges and benefits. While English education in Korea has traditionally focused on grammar and test performance, it often overlooks cultural competence — a vital component for real-world communication. Even proficient English speakers may struggle with social cues, idiomatic expressions, and behavioral norms, which limits their ability to engage effectively in global contexts. Integrating cultural awareness helps students better navigate cross-cultural interactions and use language more effectively. Intercultural communication is crucial for developing global citizenship, as language education with cultural elements fosters openness, empathy, and respect for differences — essential qualities in multicultural environments. This approach also strengthens students’ ability to evaluate diverse perspectives critically, preparing them for academic and professional settings where intercultural competence is highly valued. Cultural content integration enhances student motivation and learning outcomes. When lessons connect language skills with cultural themes, they create meaningful learning experiences that make language acquisition more relevant. Through contextualized learning, students not only retain information better but also gain deeper insights into both target and native cultures. A significant challenge lies in addressing cultural barriers within education, including stereotypes and ethnocentric mindsets that can impede intercultural skill development. Teachers must create inclusive environments where students feel safe exploring diverse perspectives. Professional development programs focusing on intercultural content integration are crucial for lasting educational change. Successfully integrating cultural content supports broader educational goals, particularly 21st-century skills like collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking. Through engagement with authentic materials and discussions about global issues, students develop analytical skills and learn to apply language beyond the classroom. This study highlights the importance of researching the long-term effects of cultural integration in language education. Understanding how intercultural competence influences students’ academic and personal growth will inform curriculum design. As Korean students increasingly participate in the global community, cultural understanding remains essential to English education, preparing them for success in our multicultural world.

참고자료

· 없음