Ўзбекистон республикаси олий ва ўрта махсус таълим вазирлиги ўзбекистон республикаси қурилиш вазирлиги

Cultural aspects of teaching esl lessons 
Matyazova Gulnora 
SamDCHTI 
 
Teaching different language means teaching different vision of life. Because 
any language is the main part of any culture that is the vision of each nation’s life. 
During teaching any language as a second language, it is, also, necessary to teach 
its culture for learners. Teaching culture can create an opportunity to increase the 
effectiveness of teaching foreign language and to achieve a goal as expected from 
lessons for teachers. In this article, the brief ideas are expressed how to teach 
culture in an English as a Second Language Classroom which supports the 
emotional, cultural, physical and social development for language learners. 
Culture is not only the way of life, but also it is the bridge of learning world, 
society and the members of society. It consists of everything that a group of people 
thinks, says, does and makes—it is combination of attitudes and feelings (Kohls 
1996). Therefore, teaching culture is the chief branch of studying language. With 
teaching culture that is included, all sides of teaching language, students learning 
ability increases, also, their communicational, cultural, psychical, emotional ability 
can develop. In addition to, teaching culture can give a chance to raise learners’ 
motivation; to encourage language learning; to create an ample English language 
area for students. Well-organized studying area, well-chosen traditional methods, 
well-designed activities, well-structured language classroom, using media during 
lesson can involve in learning target language, culture and motivate to study the 
both side of studying area: inside and outside for students. 
To begin with, teachers should make a plan which answering for 
WHOclassroom for one academic year. First of all, teachers should set any goals of 
teaching culture:

Encourage and motivate to study second language; 

Engage to communicate; 

---

261 

Integrate all language skills, such as vocabulary, speaking, listening, 
grammar and etc.; 

To be aware of new linguistic knowledge; 

Learn appreciating another cultureand etc. 
Moreover, learning culture is useful to study abroad; to make friends easily; 
to interact; to know about the history, lifestyle, rights of their target country for 
language learners. 
According to the Standards for Foreign Language Learning (National 
Standards in Foreign Language Education Project, 1999), “the true subject of the 
second language lesson is not the grammar and the vocabulary of the language, but 
the cultures expressed through that language” (p. 43). That is why, all teachers who 
teach ESL can create well-organized language studying area with educating 
culture. Designing classroom is the main step to build well-organized language 
studying environment. Pedagogue should pay attention to the decoration of 
classroom, the place of learners. 
In addition to, well-chosen method is the basic necessity to improve the 
effectiveness of lesson.It is the best way to use any traditional methods (using 
folklore, story) which is suitable for learners’ level, interest to teach culture. 
Because it gives a chance to compare, two cultures which are new and host. 
Paying attention the religion, gender, social status, level of education are the main 
factors to choose suitable teaching methods for cultural course. Through avoiding 
repetitive tasks that causes boredom; using media (newspaper, TV show, cartoons) 
or interesting authentic materials, such as picture, photo, real life situations or other 
visual aids; utilizing integrated skills, students have to attention to the lesson. It is 
important to use board games, role-plays, quiz, pantomimes, body language or any 
critical activities, which compare two cultures to interest students for lesson. For 
instance, using critical incidents:Eye contact. The use and meaning of eye-contact 
differences between two cultures. According to our mentality, eye contact with 
elders is disrespectful behavior. In Canada, it is considered an insult to avoid eye 
contact when someone, regardless of age and position, addresses you. Moreover, 
during culture lesson, comparing two tradition, customs: holiday, food, dress etc. is 
good way to develop learners’ critical thinking, outlook, and mental ability. 
Finding any solution cultural misunderstanding, which is one type of cultural 
activity make students work with their peers, exchange their ideas with each other. 
Therefore, learners have to work on their own and advance their own speaking, 
listening skills; enrich their vocabulary. 
In recapitulation, mentioned all ideas described to create well-organized 
teaching culture course in an ESL Classroom. Well-decorated class, suitable 
method, using interesting activities involve students in learning language, catches 
students’ attention, raises their motivation, interest and being able to use all skills 
in a every lesson. Using combination of content, pedagogy and technology is the 
best way to achieve a goal, which plan for teaching second language for 
pedagogue.