TEACHING CULTURE IN THE MODERN ESP CLASSROOM

For several decades now, it has been realised that teaching a foreign language means much more than just focusing on the four basic language skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking); it also encompasses teaching about culture. Teaching culture in the modern English for Specific Purposes (ESP) classroom is focused on building students’ knowledge of cultures while simultaneously developing their language skills. Although this approach to ESP is not new, this paper will analyze the basic principles of teaching culture and possible challenges in the process. In addition to this, it will show authentic classroom examples, present practical ideas for instructors and show what benefits teaching culture bring in the modern ESP classroom.