“Teaching Culture in Adult ESL: Pedagogical and Ethical Consideration” by David Johnson, 2005, 9 (1) TESL-EJ

Abstract

This is an analysis of the article "Teaching Culture in Adult ESL: Pedagogical and Ethical Considerations" by David Johnson (2005). Using the literature review and the author's three-decade-long experience as an English instructor, this analysis aims to shed light on several issues from the writer's perspective regarding the relationship between language and culture, such as the inclusion of the target culture to assist ESL learners in understanding the structures and lexicons of the language. The main result of the critical article is that including culture in teaching English is unavoidable because intercultural communicative competence not only helps students to communicate effectively but also helps them to be knowledgeable and recognizable to the world around them. Including the target culture does not mean being dominant or powerful; it means showing values, beliefs, and concepts that help them communicate and interact competently and proficiently. One of the most interesting topics that improve ESL learning is talking about cultures, such as kinds of food, clothes, and different values and beliefs, and comparing them with the mother culture without offending or insulting anyone.