Intercultural Competence in the Algerian EFL Classrooms at the Middle-level Education: An Evaluation of “Spotlight on English: Book Three”.

Abstract

n The tight relationship between language and culture in general and the integration of culture in English language teaching (ELT) in particular has long been recognized by scholars and educators. This will give learners of English as a Foreign Language (henceforth EFL) both language mastery and cultural knowledge. As a matter of fact, foreign language learning/teaching process would be unsuccessful and ineffective without the introduction of culture in EFL classrooms. In the same line of thought, textbooks are considered as one of the most important tools for foreign language teaching. They provide learners not only with linguistic knowledge, but with a variety of activities and genuine materials that cover target culture components. Thus, culture is a significant ingredient in EFL textbooks; and, the rationale is how to make EFL learners aware of the target culture and become competent in the use of language for effective communication. Moreover, the cultural content in EFL textbooks can also be a source for developing learners‟ intercultural competence and raising their cross-cultural communication as well. Many scholars namely Byram puts emphasis on the fact that intercultural competence has become a vital skill in such interconnected world. Henceforth, developing intercultural competence in EFL learners at all levels of education should be considered as a target.