WESTERN CULTURE AND THE TEACHING OF ENGLISH
AS AN INTERNATIONAL LANGUAGE
IMANGAZIEVA G. A.
KSTU named after I.Razzakov
This article is devoted to one of the most complex problems in teaching English as an international
language (EIL) is determining the cultural basis of EIL.
One of the most complex problems in teaching English as an international language (EIL) is determining the cultural basis of EIL. For some, the learning of any language necessitates learning how to use the language correctly and appropriately according to native speaker norms. For others, however, an international language by definition is not linked to any particular culture. Smith (1976), for example, argues that in reference to an international language:
a) non-native speakers do not need to internalize the cultural norms of native speakers of that language,
b) an international language becomes "de-nationalized," and
c) the purpose of teaching an international language is to facilitate the communication of learner’s’ ideas and culture in an English medium.
In many countries today there is tremendous interest in learning English for international purposes, yet there is ambivalence toward the linking of EIL with the culture of countries where English is spoken as a native language. To exemplify this ambivalence, I begin by discussing several countries in which educators have rejected the-inclusion of Western culture and values in the teaching of English. Then I demonstrate how, ironically, at the same time, many of those countries include Western culture and values in their approved textbooks.
Attitudes toward western cultures
Currently, in many countries throughout the world, there is tremendous pressure to learn English. This pressure is evident in a variety of ways. To begin, in many countries, English is a required subject beginning in middle school and continuing through high school and is often one of the areas tested on college entrance examinations. In addition, many international corporations are encouraging their
employees to develop their English, skills by providing English training on the job.